In the late seventies, several people travelled to France to follow Master Deshimaru's teaching. Some of them were ordained bodhisattva, monk or nun. Later on, Master Deshimaru asked them to develop a zazen group in Montréal.

And so, in 1979, the Montréal Zen Association was created at 982 Gilford Street, in Plateau Mont-Royal.

During his visit to Canada in 1980, Master Deshimaru certified the Montréal dojo as a member of the International Zen Association. On this occasion, he gave a lecture in Montréal and led a sesshin in Val Morin. More than a hundred people participated. Since then, a community, or sangha, has been practising during daily sittings, monthly zen days and sesshins (several sesshins and a summer camp are held annually).

Since Master Deshimaru's death in 1982, some of his oldest disciples have been coming regularly from Europe to lead intensive practice periods.The dojo is called Mokusho Zen Dojo, the dojo of silent illumination, the name given in memory of Stephen Zeisler, close disciple of Master Deshimaru who has really helped our Association until his death in 1989

Since its inception, the dojo has been administered by monks and nuns who have been practising since Master Deshimaru's visit to Québec.