CALIFORNIA, USA. Sunday, May 19th, 2019, marked an important moment at the Zen Center of Los Angeles. ZCLA is the training center where Roshi Bernie Glassman trained and taught, and later assumed the role of abbot after Taizan Maezumi Roshi. Bernie passed the Abbacy to Roshi Wendy Egyoku Nakao in 1999, and this Sunday marked the formal moment in which Roshi Egyoku ‘descended the mountain’ as abbot.  She will remain the headteacher at the center. She has been fundamental in creating a creative, community-centered practice and steered it towards deep social action in the LA area and beyond.

In her place, Sensei Deborah Faith Mind Thoreson takes on the role of the 4th abbot of the center.

In addition, ZCLA is a hub for ZPI members from around the world to deepen their training and appreciation of the Dharma. Zen Peacemakers International is grateful for the ongoing service that ZCLA leaders and community members have provided to the greater Zen Peacemakers community. Thank you Roshi Egoyku. Congratulations, Sensei Faith Mind.

(Photo by Patti Occhiuzzo Giggans, ZCLA)