Tōmyō-ji means Temple of Light.
What is this Temple? It is your practice in this moment.
What is this Light? It is your own pure selfless awareness.
Final words of the Buddha
You are the light! Dwell.
You are the refuge.
Have no other as your refuge.
Light of the Dharma.
Refuge of the Dharma.
Have no other as your refuge.
This light is your original mind, prior to the arising of any thoughts, feelings, or beliefs. To directly realize this mind, what we call "Kenshō," is to see through all of one’s beginningless confusion and suffering, arriving at self-understanding.
It is the final resolution of the existential question “Who am I?” This light is in you, waiting only to be revealed and directly experienced. Realization - awakening - is possible for all. The only gate is one’s self. Be a light unto yourself.
Tōmyō-ji is a Rinzai Zen Temple teaching the path of wisdom, compassion and self-knowledge through direct insight. Come explore this ancient, proven path with a supporting community and teacher.
We offer clear meditation instruction and methods, defined purpose and intention, the space to ask (and have answered) pressing questions, and the opportunity to work with a teacher.
Our core values are honesty, transparency, integrity, and inspiration. Our methodology includes Zazen seated meditation, proper breath and Hara (abdominal) development, integrated body usage, Kōan introspection method, and chanting practices.
Daiho took Jukai (lay vows) in 1998 under Junpo Denis Kelly Roshi. He later took Tokudo (monastic ordination) under Junpo Roshi in 2003, and began monastic residence and koan training with Eido Roshi at Dai Bosatsu. From 2005 through 2007, he continued monastic and koan training under Tenshin Charles Fletcher Roshi at Yokoji. Daiho continued koan training in 2014 with Meido Moore Roshi, and served as a board member of the Korinji foundation for several years. He completed formal koan training and received inka (dharma transmission) in November, 2023. Daiho formed Tōmyōji in 2024.
*** Sunday, April 6th & 27th, 2025 practice sessions have been cancelled. ***
Sundays
10:30 am ~ 12:00 pm
Wednesdays
7:00 pm ~ 8:15 pm
Wednesdays and Sundays provide opportunity to work with the guiding teacher, Daiho Wagner Roshi.
Please wear dark-toned clothing that is loose-fitting and comfortable. Please note there are no shorts or midriff shirts allowed in the meditation hall. Cushions are provided, however, you may bring your own if you would like to.
First time and drop-in is $15 suggested donation. You can also become a Patreon member ($40/month) with access to regularly published content and the ability to work with a teacher.
First time and drop-in is $15 suggested donation. If you would like to come regularly, our membership is through our associated page on Patreon.
Your membership gives you access to: regular, weekly, in-person Zen meditations on Wednesdays and Sundays; personal instruction; the chance to work one-on-one with a guiding teacher; and access to a growing library of written, audio and video teaching content.