In Memoriam — Layla Smith (Gyokujun Teishin)
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Layla Marie Smith Bockhorst, known by her Buddhist name Gyokujun Teishin (“Pure Forge, Constant Heart”). She passed away on , at the age of 76, surrounded by family and friends.
Life and Practice
Born in Miles City, Montana and raised in Cut Bank, Layla first encountered Zen Buddhism while studying at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, where she met her husband of forty-nine years, James Bockhorst. Profoundly influenced by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, founder of the San Francisco Zen Center, she devoted her life to Zen practice and teaching.
She lived and practiced for many years at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, the City Center in San Francisco, and Green Gulch Farm Zen Temple on the Marin coast. Ordained as a priest in 1974 by Zentatsu Richard Baker, she received Dharma Transmission in 1998 in the Suzuki Roshi lineage from Zoketsu Norman Fischer. She later taught with dedication at the Mountain Source Sangha.
Roots and Teaching in Montana
Deeply connected to her home state, Layla returned frequently to Montana, forming a small Zen group in Helena and supporting communities of practice through regular retreats and teaching visits. Her love of nature—especially Glacier National Park—infused her way of teaching with peace, steadiness, and kindness.
Montana Zen Meditation Center — Classes Discontinued
Following Layla’s passing, all classes and retreats at the Montana Zen Meditation Center are discontinued effective immediately. Practitioners are invited to continue their practice individually or to connect with neighboring Zen centers.
Memorial and Donations
A memorial service is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Green Gulch Farm Zen Center. In Layla’s memory, donations may be made to Mountain Source Sangha or the San Francisco Zen Center.
A Life of Care
Layla is survived by her husband James, her daughter Sarah and son-in-law Robert Lucarini, her beloved grandchildren Alexander (Alex) and Sophia Lucarini, her sister Robyn Armstrong, and her brothers Kim and Loren Smith. Her family extends heartfelt thanks to the hospice team for their compassionate care, and to the many friends and students whose messages and visits brought her comfort.
“Here at the end, part of me still wants to go back and kiss every inch of every road I ever walked. But it’s enough just to say thank you — and goodbye.”
May Layla’s teaching and presence continue to guide the many lives she touched.
