New Guiding Teacher – Rev. Daiken Nelson, Roshi
Since October 2023, we have been fortunate to be guided by our new Teacher Rev. Daiken Nelson, Roshi.
Daiken Nelson began Zen Practice 36 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 October 2013, Daiken received Shiho (Dharma Transmission/Authorization to Teach) from Roshi Francisco “Paco” Genkoji Lugoviña, a successor to Roshi Bernie Glassman.
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.
On January 26 – 28
Roshi Daiken was here in person for a weekend of events.
These included a Friday potluck, an all-day Zazenkai, or day of meditation, on Saturday, January 25 plus a Sunday sitting and ceremonies on January 26 in honor of Daiken’s Installation as the ICZC’s Guiding Teacher.
What is a Zazenkai? Zazenkai (座禅会) literally means “to come together for meditation.”
It is a one-day Zen Buddhist retreat that is less intensive than a days- or week-long retreat. Periods of sitting (25 minutes) are guided through the use of bells, followed by short periods of kinhin (walking meditation) or rest.
Zazenkai also includes opportunities to meet individually with the Guiding Teacher.
You can join and leave a Zazenkai as you wish.
TYPICAL ZAZENKAI SCHEDULE
7:30 am – In Seats – Facing Center
7:35-8:00 Meditation
8:00-8:05 Kinhin
8:05-8:30 Meditation
8:30 — Verse of the Kesa
8:30-8:55 Breakfast Break (bring your own)
9:00-9:25 Meditation
9:25-9:30 Kinhin
9:30-10:00 Dharma Talk
10:00-10:10 Brief Break
10:15-10:40 Meditation
10:40-10:45 Kinhin
10:45-11:10 Meditation
11:10-11:15 Kinhin
11:15-11:45 Meditation
11:45 — 4 Bodhisattva Vows
12:00-1:00 Silent Lunch (food & utensils provided)
1:00-1:15 Clean Up/Short Break
1:15-1:40 Zazen
1:40-1:45 Kinhin
1:45-2:10 Zazen
2:10-2:15 Zazen
2:15-2:45 Zazen
(Until Daiken returns from meeting with individuals (dokusan)
≈2:45 4 Bodhisattva Vows
DAIKEN’S TEACHER INSTALLATION CEREMONY IS AVAILABLE AS A VIDEO ON THE HOME PAGE:
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS:
Daiken recites poems he has written:
First Poem: “Temple Gate” — Front Door
Second Poem: Ancestors’ Altar / Founder’s Altar
Third Poem: Outside Buddha Hall
Regular Entrance into Buddha Hall
Incense Offering
3 Bows (All)
Heart Sutra — English
Sho Sai Myo Kichijo Dharani (1x-slowly)
En Mei Jukku Kannon Gyo — 3x
≈10:30
Hossenshiki (Dharma “Combat” — Questions & Response)
Set up chair in front of Altar
Short Dharma Talk — What Is A Teacher?
Bodhisattva Vows
3 Bows
Iowa City Zen Center 