His first exposure to Soto Zen Zen took place at the Zen Buddhist Temple of Chicago. The Zen Buddhist Temple of Chicago was founded in 1949 by Soyu Matsuoka-roshi.
Sensei's teacher was Kongo Langlois-roshi, an early student of O'roshi.
Zenku-sensei is also a transmitted priest of the Silent Thunder Order and an Associate Abbot and my senior Dha
rma brother.
This year Zenku-san, along w
ith Kuwasan Ann Glasmann, served as a mentor in the Falmouth Soto Zen Sangha's (FSZS) first discipleship program. Today, FSZS has expanded it programs to offer training in all aspects of the Silent Thunder Order practice path. Having completed Shiho, I now look forward to FSZS unfolding this program in a cooperative manner with leaders throughout the Silent Thunders Order. To members of our Sangha this means one
can walk the practice path from Jukai (initial vows) to Shiho (fully transmitted priest).
Zenku-Sensei will speak about his time in Chicago and his teacher Kongo-roshi. In addition, he will review the STO Practice Path Guide for ongoing training and respond to your questions. This will be an opportunity to look into formal training and its role in developing one's understanding of our lineage and ancestors and steps to take if one wishes to provide further leadership and service to our Sangha, and the Silent Thunder Order.
This is also a good occasion to "Invite a Friend or Ten to Zen."
https://zoom.us/j/7096899032?status=success#success and the password is: FSZS
108 Bows,
Sangaku
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SCHEDULE for NOVEMBER
Morning Sits, 6:30-7:15/ET each morning via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/7096899032?status=success#success and the password is: FSZS
November 10, 7:00-8:30 PM/ET
Zenku Jerry Smyers, sensei and Associate Abbot of the Silent Thunder Order is our guest speaking about and answering questions about "The Silent Thunder Order Practice Path"
November 17, 7:00-8:30 PM/ET
"Matsuoka's Teachings" and Founder's Month Donation: Elliston's Roshi's The Final Frontier.
November 24, 7:00-8:30 PM/ET
"Celebrating the Tenth Anniversary of The Falmouth Soto Zen Sangha"
November 29, Sunday morning at the Atlanta Soto Zen Center in celebration (Zoom) of the Life of Matsuoka-Roshi, 10:30 AM-Noon