Mobile Monk Community Outreach Program

About M.L. Cerpok
Born in Illinois (USA), M. L. Cerpok (pronounced chair-pok) left the mid-west in 1978 to explore creative pursuits of music and writing in California. It was also at that time that he began a study of World Religion and Philosophy. In 1980, he became involved with martial arts and after thousands of hours of study in several martial disciplines he opened his first training hall (dojo) in Washington State in 1989. It was also at that time that he began to develop and implement myriad public school programs that focused on social skills building, conflict resolution, and self defense.

With the success of these programs, Mr. Cerpok became a prolific speaker addressing groups that ranged from church organizations to government agencies, and from elementary schools to universities. Through these experiences, Mr. Cerpok has had the opportunity to work with hundreds of people from all walks of life, and for all of them his message is universal. His lessons in effortless living and the practice of Zazen can enhance anyone’s life.

​His first book, The Gentle Ravings of an Egomaniacal Master, introduces Mr. Cerpok’s personal philosophy of The Study of True Understanding and is intended as a guide towards a more simplified and satisfying way of living. His second book, The Mobile Monk, is a collection of original short stories designed to introduce children and adults to simple philosophy.

About "Monking"
"I am thought of as the mobile monk because I have traveled from place to place enjoying the company of any who wish to spend a small amount of their time with me. Wherever I go, I sit and breathe and sometimes tell stories. And because people often times find deep meanings in my stories I am thought of as a monk, even though I am just a man plain and simple!"   - M.L. Cerpok

Traditionally, a Zen monk would separate the day into times of meditation, of work, of meals, of alms (donations), and of exercise (typically martial arts). In that sense it is easy to understand why people think of M.L. Cerpok as a monk. He began meditation practice and a study of the major religions and philosophies while a teenager and began a thirty-five year career in the study and teaching of martial arts as a young adult. He would also spend hours upon hours out in the public eye sitting, breathing, teaching, and sharing, while asking for nothing in return but accepting donations placed into his little "magic box."

In these modern times Mr. Cerpok is a board member of Personal Development Center Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit organization so that donations made in gratitude of his instruction can be tax deductible to the donor. Just like the ancient tradition, the Personal Development Center, Inc. is able to support the teachings that he offers only through the generosity of others. 

About Zazen

"Zazen, or sitting Zen,  is a practice. There should be no goal, no measurement of success. You do not master Zazen, you only practice Zazen. Further, while many people refer to Zazen as a meditation I prefer to think of it as a discipline. A discipline of the body that leads to a discipline of mind. A discipline of mind that leads to effortless action, and effortless action that leads to effortless thought. In the moment of effortless thought we may recognize the corners of the circle, or the very subtle moments that may escape our notice but do truly define our lives."  - M.L. Cerpok

​In Zazen the practitioner sits in a simple and easily-learned posture. This can be modified for any person, for any reason, without effecting the practice. Some people will actually practice Zazen sitting at their kitchen table! Along with focus on a proper posture is a focus on proper breathing. Zazen sessions with M.L. Cerpok always conclude with a short discussion or question-and-answer period during which time the practitioner may ask for clarification on the discipline, on life events, or on their personal search for effortless living. With nearly forty years of experience in fielding spontaneous questions, Mr. Cerpok is always a delightfully easy interviewee. 
This website is supported by
Personal Development Center, Inc.
a 501c3 non-profit corporation
​Fountain Hills Arizona