I began formal Zen Training in the Rinzai Zen tradition in the early 1980s. I have always been curious about what it means to be a human being, about this world and the many existential questions that arise from such curiosity. Having grown up in a family with no particular religious orientation as a young adult I recognized Zen as the path that felt most appropriate to me. After seven years of intensive lay practice I was ordained a Zen monk by one of the foremost Japanese Zen masters in the United States, Jôshû Sasaki, Rôshi and received the Buddhist name Dokurô (doku = single, rô = tower). Building a Zen practice based community was always part of my path and I established the first Zen meditation group in my home town in 1984.

Since then many years have passed. In 2004 I was made an Oshô (Zen teacher) by Sasaki Rôshi and received the name Kyôon (kyô = apricot, on = garden). In the same year I also started at the Cambridge Buddhist Association where I have been serving since as the Spiritual Director. The CBA is a non-denominational Buddhist organization that was founded in 1957 by D.T. Suzuki and Shinichi Hisamatsu (while they were both lecturing at Harvard) in conjunction with John and Elsie Mitchell and a few others. The CBA is a non-residential facility and an appointment if needed should you want to visit outside of the regular schedule (please check www.unsui.org for the current schedule).

Dharma Cloud Hermitage, our local temple, meets concurrent with the CBA Zazen-kai. We follow the tradition of Japanese Rinzai Zen (Myôshin-ji branch) as it was brought to the United States by Sasaki Rôshi. Practicing in an urban meditation center brings the opportunity to fully integrate Zen training and everyday life: facing what is here and now, right in front of us. The temple's motto is: No Doubt. No Fear. No Hesitation.

As a Buddhist Chaplain at Harvard it is my responsibility to be available to the University community regardless of religious background, training, and beliefs. I look forward to meeting you face to face, two human beings engaging in open and honest relationship and interaction. Please feel free to join us at the CBA, leave me a message or contact me per e-mail.