Foundations of Mondo Zen Facilitation
A 4-Month Advanced Training Program to
Teach Mondo Zen & Lead
Mondo Zen Facilitation
and Live Mondo Zen
with Ekai Joel Kreisberg & Emyo Darlene Tataryn
March 8th - June 22nd, 2026
A Personal Invitation from Ekai Joel Kreisberg Roshi
What is Foundations of Mondo Zen Facilitation?
This four-month structured learning environment provides knowledge, experience, mentorship and a community of practitioners for effective learning of the art of Mondo Zen Facilitation. The goal of this training is to provide individuals with the wisdom, compassion, and skillful means required to transmit Jun Po Roshi’s dharma. Foundations of Mondo Zen Facilitation involves a rigorous learning sequence that engages the skills required to competently guide individuals, pairings and groups in Mondo Zen Faciltiation. Regular mentor group meetings support ongoing reflection, feedback, and assessment, which are keys to this gateway of learning.
“In order to consciously respond rather than habitually react, it is essential that we experience and get the information within all our feelings – including those deeper feelings that lie underneath our habitual negative emotional reactions.”
How is this class organized?
The class meets all together twice a month, one Sunday and one Monday, roughly every other week. Each participant will be assigned to a mentor group of three, which meets weekly every other week. The schedule for these small group meetings will be determined by individual groups.
Sunday - once a month - 10 am ET - 1 pm ET
Monday - once a month on 11 am - 12:30 ET pm
Small Group Meetings - alternating weeks with the classes
Weekly Online Learning Modules
Class Schedule
March 8th - 10 am - 1 pm
March 23rd - 11 am - 12:30 pm
April 12th - 10 am - 1 pm
April 27th - 11 am - 12:30 pm
May 3rd - 10 am - 1 pm
May 18th - 11 am - 12:30 pm
June 7th - 10 am - 1 pm
June 22nd - 11 am - 12:30 pm
More about the Training
Goals and Purpose
The purpose of this program is to reliably train practitioners in the art of Mondo Zen Facilitation, which entails the accurate understanding of Mondo Zen, the skills to articulate the teachings, and the ability to facilitate others through the transmission process in diverse settings. Under the direction of Roshi Ekai Joel Kreisberg, the program leverages state-of-the-art training technologies and a developmental learning sequence to foster a community of learners. Using core competencies, students are able to receive continuous feedback through virtuous cycles of learning, supported by certified facilitators as mentors.
Being Truly Present For the Full Expression of Emotions
Modern scholars of emotional intelligence, such as Daniel Goldman, Karla McLaren and Peter Salovey, teach that an essential ingredient of emotional intelligence is learning how to truly be present for the full expression of the feelings arising within the self – to bear witness, so to speak. That full experience of emotions includes sensations, feelings and thoughts, and being a witness involves being able to observe the response. Thus, the first step in emotional koan work is, with the support of zazen practice, to be more present, more mindful of what is arising within our experience.“Communication was top-notch and the final outcome was even better than we imagined. A great experience all around.”
Respond with Compassion
Our emotional responses provide information and opportunities to embody a compassionate Bodhisattva. Welcome to the world of emotional koans. Not only are we to witness our reactivity, remember that we are not separate, and then, as we more fully recognize our humanity, respond with compassion.
Registration & Course Fees
The basic fee for this program is $108 per month for the four months of this program. Please complete the course application. Upon acceptance you will be asked to enroll in a monthly payment system.
“This course was amazing! It was well structured and provided a wealth of information. The staff were knowledgeable, supportive, and fostered a positive environment for learning and engagement. It is a wonderful avenue to learn, develop and deepen one’s meditative practice and experience.”
— Daijo Scott D.
Faculty
Ekai Joel Kreisberg Roshi
Ekai continues to evolve his practice to incorporate a variety of Buddhist wisdom in his teachings. His commitment to compassionate action keeps offering endless opportunity for learning and growth.
In 2019, Jun Po Denis Kelly Roshi invited Ekai Joel to develop the Mondo Zen Facilitator Certification Program at Hollow Bones Zen. For three years, Ekai Roshi developed the program training over thirty individuals and certifying eighteen individuals. The koans of Jun Po form the basis for the dharma teachings of Jun Po. Mondo Zen Facilitation is necessary next step in working with Jun Po’s koans. Ekai Roshi’s thirty years of training healings and coaches, as well as ten years as a graduate professor info the Ekai’s teachings and program design.
This program is the most recent offering in over thirty years of program development for Ekai Joel kreisberg.
Emyo Darlene Tataryn
Darlene Tataryn, PhD in Expressive Therapy, is a Canadian educator, therapist, and founder of One Wisdom. She has bridged Buddhist meditative traditions—including Theravada, Vajrayana (Karma Kagyu), Zen (ordained as Priest Emyo Seien in 2014), and Culadasa-certified teaching in The Mind Illuminated—with somatic and emotional healing through expressive arts. Recognized as an Elder in Expressive Therapy in 2017, she integrates these disciplines into her counseling practice, retreats, and innovative movement practices like Maitreya's Chair (contemplative seated movement) and The Lotus Series (Asaya Yoga for neurocellular reprogramming and expression). With over 35 years of practice, teaching, and counselling experience, Darlene supports individuals and communities in resolving trauma, experiencing emotional and somatic liberation, and awakening to their spiritual potential. For inquiries or to join her community, visit onewisdom.ca.
Mentors are Certified Mondo Facilitators
-
Ming Po Larry Matthews
-
Nanda Nina Lynch
-
Engo Michael Jackson
-
Kenshin Cian Whalley
Small Group study with Mentors
Koan study requires intimate working conditions. With the help of trained mentors, all participants will meet in groups of three or four every other week during the program. Small group learning environments provide a unique container for exploration and integration. Participants will have the opportunity to both lead and receive koan instruction.
Small Group Schedule
Week staring March 16th
Week staring March 30th
Week staring April 6th
Week staring April 20th
Week staring May 4th
Week staring May 18th
Week staring June 1st
Week staring June 15th
Week staring June 29th
Students in the program are required to lead Mondo Zen Facilitation with a minimum of one person outside the student body during the program.
“Through your concentration-meditation practice, you become aware of and cultivate awareness of your deeper mind, develop the ability to remain non-reactive in the face of threat or insult, and have time to stop unconsciously reacting, open your eyes and your heart, clearly discern, and compassionately respond.”
Required Reading
The Heart of Zen
By Jun Po Denis Kelly Roshi and Keith Martin-Smith
What People are Saying About This Training
“This training has given me new insights into how to approach my life and my future service to the dharma. I have integrated and expanded my passion for spiritual growth and deepened my awareness. It has been a transformational and profound life event for my spiritual growth.”