Way of The Forest Empty Mountain Zen Hermitage

Soto Zen Buddhism in Doonan, Queensland.
At Way of the Forest Hermitage and Empty Mountain Hermitage in Doonan, Sunshine Coast, we practice Zen in the Soto style while maintaining our Diamond Sangha heritage.

Our teacher, Reverend Doshin Kusan Roshi.

Learn about the Way of the Forest practice styles and lineage.

See upcoming classes, events and retreats


Way of The Forest and Empty Mountain Zen Hermitage
“The Soto Zen School of Japan informs our organization. We also transmit the Koan curriculum which was first brought to Australia in the late 1970’s by Robert Aitken Roshi who founded the Diamond Sangha…” Read more
See our upcoming Zen meditation classes, groups, events and retreats here
What is Soto Zen Buddhism?
Soto Zen is the largest Zen organization in Japan with about eight million people declaring themselves practitioners of Soto Zen Buddhism. The main practice of Soto Zen is Shikantaza or as it is known in China, Silent Illumination. Emphasis is placed on the liturgy and chanting style of the Soto Zen sect. We hold that Soto Zen contains the deep practice, and deep meaning of Dogen Roshi and Keizan Roshi, who were instrumental in propagating Zen to Japan.

Meditation (Zazen) – Weekly Zen Meditation Groups
A core practice of Zen Buddhism is meditation or “zazen”. All new students are instructed on how to sit in zazen. Zazen can be conducted on a cushion, stool or chair. Way of the Forest Empty Mountain Hermitage runs weekly meditation groups.

Becoming a Zen student
Way of the Forest Zen welcomes new students and those interested in learning about Zen and practising meditation. All people wishing to visit, participate or become a student must contact Rev Doshin Kusan first.

Introduction to Zen Buddhism Workshops
Rev Doshin Kusan Roshi offers Introduction to Zen Buddhism Workshops from time to time. These are an ideal for people who would like to know more about Zen Buddhism and Meditation.

Way of the Forest Empty Mountain Hermitage runs regular classes, meditation groups and retreats.