The International Zen Association

The AZI was founded in 1970 by Master Taisen Deshimaru to enable him to spread Zen practice and teaching.

The Association brings together practitioners and dojos from Europe and beyond who adhere to Master Deshimaru’s teaching and to membership in the Soto Zen school. This represents more than 200 dojos and practice centers worldwide, though principally in Europe. Since its conception, the Association has facilitated the organization of many sesshin (intensive practice retreats) and other practice-related events, as well as the traditional ango (summer retreat) which is practiced annually by all Buddhist communities around the world.

Today, the AZI is composed of the various sanghas (communities of practitioners) which have naturally developed around Master Deshimaru’s successors. These elder disciples continue to practice together at La Gendronnière Temple, and maintain a spirit of dialogue and coordination to harmonize the different sanghas and promote the means which correspond to the Association’s purpose and goals. The AZI is also in constant contact with other Zen sanghas around the world, especially the Japanese Soto school and its administrative branch, the Sotoshu Shumucho.

The AZI is directed by a 24-person committee which includes Master Deshimaru’s eldest disciples. Its officers meet every month to define the major directions of the sangha, decide actions to be taken concerning life in the dojos, and sustain the heritage which has been entrusted to it. The Association owns La Gendronnière Zen Temple, near Blois, France, an estate which was acquired in 1979 shortly before Master Deshimaru’s death in 1982. It is a meeting place for all the sanghas, with a regular and dynamic practice that continues year round.