""But for you, no us"

Jikoji’s Annual fundraiser

We approach the end of 2024 with deep gratitude that Jikoji, which our founder Kobun Chino Otogawa Roshi named Compassion Light Temple, has become a beacon of mindfulness, compassion, and insight in a world that is often chaotic and divided.

Our sangha is expanding; in the last year, we estimate that we’ve given beginning meditation instruction in person to more than 1300 newcomers! Our programs are multiplying as well. More people than ever are coming to Jikoji for support and to ask their deepest questions, and we are doing our best to serve all.

"But for you, no us"

We could not make these offerings without you. As you may know, Jikoji is entirely dependent upon your generosity, upon Dana. Over the past year, your contributions have made a tremendous difference. Thanks to you, we have been able to:

  • Offer scholarships to attend sesshin for those in need;

  • Enhance the comfort of our guest rooms so they provide a welcoming environment;

  • Replace our water boiler;

  • Launch more online offerings so that our offerings are more inclusive;

  • Host Calligraphy, Haiku and other intimate practice workshops; and

  • Offer Book Study, Winter Practice Period, and our weekly public Sunday Program.

We are very thankful to each of you for your continuing commitment to practice. It has been a wonderful year of sharing and exploring the teachings and especially, hearing and learning from YOUR practice. Your support allows us to continue our programming and to ensure we meet the needs of this growing community.

Our Urgent Need for Your Support

With growth comes challenges. Your end-of-year donation is essential to meeting the needs of our community and the improvements necessary to do so. We are working hard to address immediate issues that will directly impact the sustainability of our beloved Jikoji:

  • Preserving Our Space: Our center requires ongoing maintenance and improvements: road grooming, a substantial upgrade to our septic system, pathway maintenance, decking replacements, a complete overhaul of the vegetable and herb garden, safety tree trimming  and dozens of other operational demands.

  • Increasing Accessibility: We are working with the County to permit the expansion of our facility so as to meet the increased interest of practitioners. With your help we will not only have the resources to upgrade the materials and comfort of the rooms we currently offer for events and private retreat, we can also move forward with expansions so that we are able to provide more accommodations.

  • Expanding Access: We are committed to making Zen practice accessible to all, regardless of financial means. The demand for scholarships is growing, and we aim to increase our offerings of financial assistance to those who cannot afford to attend sesshins and retreats.

How You Can Help

In this season of giving, we ask you to dig deep to support Jikoji’s mission to share the Dharma. Your tax-deductible contribution—no matter the size—will directly impact our ability to meet these needs. Here’s how you can help:

  • Donate Online: Scroll down to make a secure online donation today

  • Donate by Check: If you prefer, you may mail your donation; please make checks payable to Jikoji Zen Center at 12100 Skyline Blvd. Los Gatos, CA 95033

  • Monthly Giving: A recurring monthly gift can provide the steady support we need to meet ongoing expenses and expand our services. You can arrange a recurring donation through your own banking institution. 

Jikoji faces urgent needs, and we cannot do this without you. Your contribution will ensure that Jikoji remains a place of refuge, a center of learning, and a hub for spiritual growth for all those who come through our doors, seeking the Buddha Way.

Thank You for Your Support

On behalf of the entire Jikoji Zen Center community, we thank you for considering a gift that will make a lasting impact. We know that in a world filled with divisions and distractions, the work we do is more important than ever. Your compassionate support will help us continue to shine out to those seeking clarity, calm, and connection. 

May you find joy and fulfillment this season, and may we continue to walk together in the Buddha Way in the coming year.

With deep gratitude and warm wishes,

The Jikoji Board of Directors and Officers

P.S. Please remember that your gift is tax-deductible if made by December 31st.
Thank you for your continued support during this critical time.