The Zen Peacemakers West Coast is an affiliate group of the Zen Peacemaker Order (ZPO). It was created in 2025 by a small group of ZPO members in collaboration with Jitsujo T. Gauthier. Jitsujo is a Soto Zen Buddhist Dharma Teacher and Co-Spiritual Director of the Zen Peacemakers Order (ZPO). The ZP West Coast will hold a few bearing witness events per year throughout the west coast. To learn more click: ZPO.
2026 UPCOMING EVENTS
Feeding the Hungry Ghosts > 2115 Charlotte St > at Los Angeles County Hospital > Dec 20, 2025 > 4-7PM > Winter Solstice
“All You Need Is Love” > Bearing Witness Event in San Diego > February 14, 2026 > Sweetwater Zen & Skid Row
“Andy’s Unity Park“ > Bearing Witness Event in Santa Rosa > Meet: 3399 Moorland Ave, Santa Rosa 95407 > May 30, 2026 9:30AM > SEE FLYER BELOW.
Zen Peacemakers West Coast
invites you to Bearing Witness at
3399 Moorland Ave, Santa Rosa 95407
May 30, 2026 @ 9:30AM
Bearing Witness to Life on the Streets
September 3 – 7, 2026 : REGISTER HERE
This retreat gives you the opportunity to bear witness to life on the streets of Los Angeles. Each day we will walk through the city, eat at soup kitchens, sit, walk, rest, practice council, chant, ride the bus, and practice asking for what we need. At the end of the day we will sleep near a temple, church or Dharma center. “When we go to bear witness to life on the streets, we’re offering ourselves. Not blankets, not food, not clothes, just ourselves.” ~Bernie Glassman, Bearing Witness
Taking Refuge: Zen Peacemaker Precept Course 2025
Amid global wars, domination of nature, and ongoing human centricity, this is a chance to stop, reflect, and make a vow that sets your direction. How are you living an undivided life? How to create pathways that move us closer together? Taking refuge is a way to deepen and realize the Zen Peacemaker Rule, available to all who complete the ZPO formation, with an opportunity to receive the precepts thru a Buddhist Jukai ceremony, with a rakusu, at the end.
This is a co-lead course by three Zen Peacemaker Order (ZPO) Preceptors, Participants will hear teachings on the precepts, contemplation on precepts, written reflections, verbal expression of the precepts thru dyad/triad and group work, and ritual practices. Click link below for more information about the Zen Peacemaker Order (ZPO).
It is really difficult to talk about death and dying, and even more difficult to face that dying is happening. If you are dying, I can help you and your family create a container for conversations around the dying process, as well as navigate, articulate, and advocate for your particular needs around death, dying, and change. More about End of Life Services and Transition Rituals here.
Jitsujo 