The Game of Life Seminar · with Genpo Roshi in Hawaii

Genpo Roshi welcomes you to the

Big Island of Hawaii for 

THE GAME OF LIFE SEMINAR

Location 

Big Island of Hawaii, Captain Cook, on the slopes of Mauna Loa mountain volcano

Seminar Schedule

Opening Dinner

Sunday, October 19 (time & location TBD)

Seminar Days

Monday – Friday, October 20 – 24

(Held at the home of Genpo Roshi and Jigen Sensei)

Closing Breakfast

Saturday, October 25 (optional, time & location TBD)

This seminar will be a completely new experience for all participants. It is what Roshi is calling THE GAME OF LIFE.

It is our real life played as a game, knowing our position at any given moment—not our person, but the roles and positions that we find ourselves playing unbeknownst to ourselves. This seminar is similar to what Roshi created and called the Zen Life Intensive. These Intensives were extremely popular back in the late '70s through the '90s. Thousands attended, both Zen and non-Zen people alike. Roshi is bringing back many of the various processes and games he used to do as skillful means, as well as the Big Mind/Big Heart process that he has mastered over the past 40 years of evolving and maturing.

All attendees will walk away more equipped with skillful means to deal with their own lives and relationships in the world, both personally and impersonally. Those of us who are facing the normal daily challenges of these crazy and chaotic times will leave with skills and techniques to help manage our lives. People from both sides of the polarization that we are all facing today—families, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and relationships, as well as within our cities, states, countries, and politically—we are so polarized these days, externally and internally.

Roshi will be offering a way beyond this polarization to embrace and transcend the opposite perspectives, opinions, and beliefs that separate us.

We are providing ways and tools to take fear out of the driver’s seat and position it where it belongs—in the passenger seat as a navigator and copilot. We are not trying to get rid of fear; we’re putting it in its rightful position and having it as an ally rather than as an obstacle to a happy, joyful, and prosperous life — free from fear. The question is, who is driving this vehicle that we call our life? You will find out who the driver is—the one who is 100% responsible for cause and effect, for action and reaction, and is neither a victim, a perpetrator, nor a rescuer. The One who is able to own and embrace their lonely and frightened inner child, their parents, and who is the responsible adult in the room!

This seminar will be joyful and fun, creating deep bonds and community as we work to know and understand oneself in this real game of life. 

Meals will not be provided, though the group may choose to plan to together, should participants wish to do so.

Accommodations are the responsibility of each guest. A list of recommended lodging options can be provided by contacting chet@bigmind.org.

What people are saying about The Game of Life

"Genpo Roshi was unforgettable—on fire, intense, and profoundly moving. His energy drew me in completely, leaving me inspired and deeply connected." Dan L. Sweden

"A powerful experience of radical honesty and self-disclosure from both Roshi and the Sangha. It confirmed my own path of teaching with openness and vulnerability, helping me and others move deeper into self-acceptance. Something remarkable happens when you simply show up, question without judgment, and allow the process to unfold.” Paul J. United States

"The most powerful moment for me was when Roshi guided me to shift from anger to its opposite in just a split second—suddenly the anger was gone. This opened my eyes to the possibility of real change: to listen wholeheartedly, to step fully into another’s perspective, and to take responsibility. The retreat was heartwarming, spacious, and transformative—a true adventure that was both profound and fun.”

Julia V.

The Netherlands

Genpo Roshi’s workshop in Amsterdam was magical—joyful, inspiring, and crystal clear. His presence was electrifying, blending wisdom, humor, and performance into an unforgettable experience that touched my heart and filled me with energy, love, and understanding.” Nina N. Sweden

"An Incredibly powerful event and filled with energy—both mind-blowing and grounding in life. I realized emotions are not obstacles but places to explore, even anger or anxiety carry hidden wisdom. My takeaway: if stuck, be completely stuck. This retreat is unlike anything else—an adventure with your self, supported by the group and guided by Genpo Roshi. Mind-expanding, deeply grounding, and surprisingly simple.”

Paul M.

The Netherlands

Travel Information

Please send your arrival and departure flight details.
Guests are responsible for arranging their own airport transportation.

If participants have similar arrival or departure times, we will let you know so you may coordinate rides if you wish.

Your contribution to these seminars allows the teaching to be experienced by everyone regardless of their financial means. Big Heart events are our way of giving back to those who so generously sponsor our efforts. Your donation is essential to carrying on this work.