Meet D. Genpo Merzel

Dennis “Genpo” Merzel was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1944. He trained at ZCLA – The Zen Center of Los Angeles from 1972 to 1984 under the guidance of Taizan Maezumi Roshi.

He received Shiho (Dharma Transmission) in 1980. In 1981, he traveled to Japan for further formal training and returned again in 1986, participating in a Tokubetsu Sesshin (special intensive retreat) conducted under the auspices of the Sōtō school. This training was part of an effort to ensure that Western successors were grounded in traditional Japanese Sōtō forms.

In 1991, a further gathering addressing succession and formal training took place at Maezumi Roshi’s original temple prior to his move to Zenshuji. The Sōtō headquarters provided sponsorship support so that Western successors could receive training aligned with traditional Japanese Sōtō standards.

Beginning in the early 1970s, Genpo Roshi’s work developed around three central intentions:

• bridging Zen with Western psychotherapy

• helping restore authentic Zen practice in China

• and, at his teacher’s encouragement, bringing renewed vitality to koan study

Deeply rooted in traditional training, he has also explored innovative forms of practice. His aim has been to preserve the essence of the Dharma while allowing its expression to remain alive in contemporary culture.

Today, his teaching emphasizes integrity, maturity, and realization lived fully in ordinary human life.


Studying with Genpo Roshi


As a student of Genpo Roshi who has been with him nearly 20 years, I’ve had the privilege to witness this Zen Master’s ongoing remarkable growth and transformation.


His personal fall in 2011 was devastating but I witnessed the courage it took for him to stay the course, steeped in the pain and suffering. He pointedly asked people not to coddle him or hurry his process along. To persevere with the painful process of self evaluation, discovery and then growth has been an unparalleled gift and teaching for those open enough to receive it.


Genpo Roshi is a living example of one who does not rest on his laurels but continues to dive deep and transform again and again.

Kamie Buddemeier MD

Genpo Roshi's Upcoming Events

One on One with Genpo Roshi

Personal time with Genpo Roshi

15 Minute Personal Meeting

Donation: $125.00

Genpo Roshi is available Saturday and Sunday starting at 8:00 am and Wednesday 9:00 am Hawaii Time

To schedule or for more information please email Chet Cannon

Genpo Roshi Now Blog

Born To Be Me

Astrological Chart for D. Genpo Merzel.   Born June 3, 1944,  2:45 am.   Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.

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