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 | Taizan Maezumi
Roshi
(1931-1995)
Widely known as the most influencial and realized masters of our time. Maezumi gave transmission to 11 Successors. He ordained as a monk at age 11, had Kensho at age 17, and later went on to receive transmission in 3 separate Zen lineages. He devoted his entire life to Zen. After 40 years of intensely devoted practice, he is known to have said, "I believe I am just now starting to sit Shikantaza". This humbling statement shows the great doubt he had in his practice. One of the three essentials of a Buddha. Not much literature has been published regarding his teaching, however his life as the dharma itself, will be expounded for many centuries. |
 | Koryu Osaka Roshi
(1901-1987)
One of the main teachers in Maezumi Roshi's life. Maezumi met Koryu Roshi in extraordinary circumstances. Maezumi Roshi's father was passing away due to excessive hemorrhaging. The family heard of a healer named Koryu Roshi who they decided to call in when nothing else could stop the bleeding. Koryu Roshi then held Hakujun Kuroda Roshi's hand and stopped the bleeding immediately upon arrival. When they tried to give money to Koryu Roshi, he completely denied the offers. This is how Maezumi met his Koan teacher. |
 | Yasutani Hakuun Roshi
(1885-1973)
A very strong master of our time. He is widely known for his teachings in the book "The Three Pillars of Zen". It is said that he has seen past lives through his meditation. He first attained kensho at the late age of 42. Sixteen years later at age 58, he received Inka from Harada Roshi. |
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Harada Daiun Sogaku Roshi
(1871-1961)
A strict disciplinarian and very strong Zen Master. Known to be the strongest Zen Master of his time.
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William Nyogen Yeo Roshi
(1936-present)
Very direct, very ordinary master working under Maezumi Roshi for 27 years. Coming from a difficult past, Nyogen Roshi broke through his Karma working with the great Taizen Maezumi Roshi. Nyogen, practicing for over 40 years, has become a pinnacle in the lives of his current students. "Practice is the only thing worth while in life" is his common quote. From Maezumi, he quotes; give practice an hour it returns an hour. Give it a day, it returns a day. Give it a year, it returns a year. Give it a life, it returns MORE than a life. This is his teaching.
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 | Shunryu Suzuki
(1905-1971)
Came to America in 1958 to teach. Very well known from the Book Zen Mind, Beginners Mind. He did not emphasize enlighentment and made it very clear that "Big Mind" is something you have, not something to seek for. |
for those above that are not with us:
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die . . .
-Anonymous |
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