David Jokai Blackwell Roshi
Zen practice for everyday life — realizing the heart of awakening in the world as it is.
About
Becoming Ordinary grew from twenty years of residential Zen training at Yokoji Zen Mountain Center and a simple recognition: the deepest expression of practice is how we meet our everyday lives — at work, in our relationships, raising our children, navigating uncertainty.
David Jokai Blackwell Roshi is a Soto Zen Teacher in the White Plum Lineage. He received Dharma Transmission from Charles Tenshin Fletcher Roshi in 2014 following over a decade of residential training and the completion of koan study, and Inka — final seal of approval, independence — in 2022.
Originally from Wales, David moved to Southern California in 2000 to train full time. His teaching is informed by deep grounding in traditional Zen forms, as well as the fullness of ordinary life. He emphasizes the direct experience of awakening using contemporary language and time-honored methods.
White Plum Lineage · Soto Zen · Dharma Transmission 2014 · Inka 2022
Practice With Me
Whether you are new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, you are welcome. Jokai Roshi teaches in several settings across Southern California and online.
One-on-one meetings for those seeking personal guidance in their practice. Whether you're working through a challenge, deepening your sitting, or exploring formal study.
Online via Zoom · By arrangement Get in touch →Sitting meditation followed by a dharma talk, with time for questions and conversation. Open to everyone.
Insight Community of the Desert · Palm Springs See schedule →A weekly invitation to explore meditation as a support for spiritual development, focusing on realizing our innate capacity for care, compassion, and mutual respect. Open to everyone.
Insight Community of the Desert · Online · Tuesdays 6:30–8pm PT See schedule →Regular sitting practice, dharma talks, and community practice in an eclectic, welcoming environment drawing from multiple Buddhist traditions.
Long Beach Meditation · Long Beach See schedule →Intensive practice periods offering sustained zazen, private interviews, and the transformative container of group retreat. Offered periodically throughout the year.
Various locations · Check schedule Get in touch →Evening sessions of zazen, walking meditation, one-on-one interviews, and dharma talks — accessible from anywhere via Zoom.
Online via Zoom Register →Monthly dharma talks exploring Zen practice, awakening, and how to bring clarity and compassion into daily life.
Apple Podcasts · Available everywhere Listen →Contact
For questions about practice, upcoming events, or private meetings, please reach out. Everyone is welcome.
david@becomingordinary.org