1943

Born November 25, Thanksgiving Day, in the biggest snowstorm of the decade. Educated in California, with summers spent in northern NM on grandparent’s farm. One year at Long Beach Junior College before entering military.

1962

Medic and Sergeant in the Army in Germany until the end of 1967.

1968

Two years at Long Beach Junior College and two years at University of California at Fullerton, until 1972.

1972

Emigrated to BC, Canada, establishing homestead and farming until 1982.

1970

Started Zen practice with Koun Taizan Dai Osho (Maezumi Roshi) at Zen Center of Los Angeles in 1970. Commuted from BC to LA 1974 -1982 to practice with Maezumi Roshi.

1978

Precepts (Jukai) from Maezumi Roshi.

1982

Ordination (Tokudo) from Maezumi Roshi. Became first resident monk at Zen Mountain Center, California. Built one-mile long road into the property, supervised drilling well, installing solar power, building structures for Zendo, Buddha Hall, kitchen and residential structures. Oversaw all angos, sesshin, and workshops until 1994.

1984

Acting Head Monk (Shuso) at ninety-day ango, Zen Mountain Center.

1986

 Became Vice-Abbot, Zen Mountain Center, California.

1987

Tokubetsu month-long sesshin at Daijoji, Kanazawa, Japan.

1988

Started teaching under the guidance of Maezumi Roshi. Founded Inward Bound, a program introducing mountain retreat and meditation to young people from inner city schools. Eventually served HIV/AIDS patients and their caregivers with retreats focused on impermanence and survival.

1989

Board of Directors of advocacy group for street people, Hemet, CA. until 1991.

1994

Dharma Transmission (Shiho) from Maezumi Roshi.

1995

Founded Hidden Mountain Zen Center as a Zen Peacemaker Community in Maezumi Roshi’s name, Albuquerque, NM. Bernie Glassman (Tetsugen Roshi) stood in for Maezumi Roshi after Roshi’s death that year. Worked with residents as trainees and oversaw all angos, sesshin and workshops until 2002. Established and ran HMZC branches of Peacemaker Homeless Retreats and plunges in Mexico, Wise Men and Women Mentoring program in local schools, teaching meditation at Santa Fe Maximum Security Prison facility.

1998

Served on Board of Directors, Center for Action and Contemplation, Catholic social service and meditation establishment, Albuquerque. Founded Prajna Zendo in Santa Fe, NM.

1999

Became Abbot of Hidden Mountain Zen Center, Albuquerque. Dharma Transmission (Shiho) from Bernie Glassman, Litchfield, CT.  Gave Dharma Transmission to Musai Walter (now Musai Sensei.)

2001

After 9/11, became more involved with interfaith work, and Co-Sponsored a symposium in Albuquerque, with Jewish and Muslim leaders, as well as leaders of other faiths, to enter into dialog together on the subject of religious tolerance.

2002

Resigned from Hidden Mountain Zen Center.

2002

Began healing process and work with art as healing. 

2006

Resumed teaching formally with Tokudo ceremony for a student in Albuquerque, NM. 

2007

Taught regular weekly classes (sitting period followed by discussion of a dharma book or topic.)  Held regular retreats including spring and fall weekend sesshin in Colorado Springs and Rohatsu Sesshin (8+ days) in Albuquerque, NM.  Jukai for Don Ryushin Benage on June 10, 2007.  Tokudo for Eric Kishin Arbiter on December 16, 2007.  Kishin also named Dharma Holder at Tokudo.

2008

Ongoing classes on weeknights.  Sesshin held at least quarterly in either Albuquerque, NM or Colorado Springs, CO, including week-long Rohatsu Sesshin.  No Gate Sangha created.  Ralph Kendo Fritz and Carol Myoshin Bruce-Fritz named Dhara Holders on March 30, 2008.  Tokudo for Don Ryushin Benage on December 8, 2008.

2009

Ongoing classes on weeknights.  Quarterly sesshin including week-long Rohatsu Sesshin.  Conducted meditation classes with three other volunteers for adolescent boys with a history of violence and treatable mental illness at the Sequoyah Adolescent Treatment Center operated by the New Mexico State Department of Health.  Tokudo for Ralph Kendo Fritz and Carol Myoshin Bruce-Fritz on December 13, 2009.