New Guiding Teacher – Rev. Daiken Nelson, Roshi
Since October 2023, the Iowa City Zen Center has been fortunate to be guided by our new Teacher Rev. Daiken Nelson, Roshi.
Daiken Nelson began Zen Practice 38 years ago at the Iowa City Zen Center.
Since that time, he has practiced with several Teachers within the White Plum Zen Lineage of Taizan Maezumi Roshi & the Zen Peacemaker Order of Roshi Bernie Glassman.
In March, 2011, Daiken received Denkai (Full Empowerment as a Zen Priest) from Roshi Francisco “Paco” Genkoji Lugoviña, a successor to Roshi Bernie Glassman.
In October 2013, Daiken received Shiho (Dharma Transmission/Authorization to Teach) from Roshi “Paco” Genkoji.
In November 2021, Daiken received Inka from Roshi Paco, the final authorization in one’s Zen training, by which one becomes a Roshi (Japanese: “old/venerable Teacher”; “old/venerable Master”).
Roshi Daiken is also the Founder & Guiding Teacher of the Pamsula Zen Center in W. Harlem, NYC.
The Pamsula Zen Center has two affiliates: the Youngstown Zen Center in Youngstown, OH and the Pamsula Zen Westchester Sitting Group in White Plains, NY.
Prior to focusing on Zen, Daiken was a Social Worker, working with the homeless plus those with chronic mental illness & substance abuse issues.
Daiken is also Founder of The Mandala Café, a Nonprofit in NYC which provides Culinary Training to those needing job training & placement due to challenges to finding and keeping a job; a Catering business offering part-time employment and training for individuals in those groups plus a Weekly Community Meal in central Harlem for anyone & a monthly meal in Harlem focusing on migrants & refugees.
In addition to Zen, Roshi Daiken is a Reiki Master, Yoga Instructor, Photographer & Artist
Daiken is guiding our Practice by giving bi-monthly Teisho/Dharma Talks via Zoom plus quarterly In-person visits to Iowa City.
He is also steering the Practice Committee plus participating in ICZC Board meetings.
DAIKEN’S TEACHER INSTALLATION CEREMONY IS AVAILABLE AS A VIDEO ON THE PHOTO GALLERY PAGE
Iowa City Zen Center 