Loss and Grief — and Zen

with Mark Kanchi Esterman Roshi

This is an opportunity to share and explore our experiences of loss and grief and their relation to Zen practice.

The losses we experience come in many forms, not only loved ones and relationships but also health, dreams, pets, work, and sometimes even our sense of who we are. Rather than a course about an abstract or impersonal subject, these classes address our personal experiences and the questions that arise from them — questions which many if not all of us have faced or are facing in our own lives.

“I feel you’re bringing the heart of Zen and you’re manifesting it in the Loss and Grief class….  I feel it’s something really important you’ve added to the Sangha.  It goes beyond ego, beyond personal, pride and jealousy and all that stuff, it goes beyond. It’s just human to human. It’s just real. It’s authentic, genuine. ”      — Genpo Roshi

Classes meet on Zoom for one and one-half hours, on four consecutive Saturday mornings from 9:00  to 10:30 AM (Mountain Time).

  • Next Series: September 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2026
  • Class size is limited to 12 to facilitate full participation.
  • Tuition: $330, or $300 for Kanzeon Active Students. That money goes to support Kanzeon/Big Mind, and in keeping with their practice no one will be prevented from participating for lack of financial resources.  (If that is your situation, contact me and we will work something out.)

What participants are saying:

“Deeply transformative and supporting to me during my own experience of loss.”
— D.M.

“These meetings offered a true sense of Sangha support. Kanchi Roshi opened a space for simply sharing and listening without agenda or hierarchy. I felt welcome, appreciated and well-supported. I hope we will repeat this inquiry into the teachings of loss and grief.” — B.G.

“Sharing this inevitable experience with others was invaluable for me. It felt like we were a family and each participant was my teacher.” — M.M

To inquire about upcoming classes, or any other questions call Mark at 801-230-1491, or use the Contact Form on this website.