Teachers
Reverend Taihaku Nishiren Priest is the beloved founding abbot of Shao Shan Temple. She trained at Hokyoji Training Monastery, located in Fukui Prefecture, Japan, founded by Jakuen Zenji. She received priest ordination and Dharma Transmission from Tanaka-Shinkai Roshi. Although she left this physical form on May 24th, 2021, her teachings and presence continue to be strongly felt at Shao Shan Temple and by her students. (additional photos and details of her life on the Memorial Page)
Reverend Kenzan Seidenberg is currently Shao Shan Temple's in-residence Abbot.
He was ordained by Rev. Taihaku Priest in 2008, was shuso in 2013 and received dharma transmission (authorization to teach in the Soto Zen lineage) in January of 2016. His training included monastic practice in both the United States and Japan.
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Rev. Taihaku Priest believed strongly in the importance of Soto Zen priests and temples being connected in the United States and maintaining the connection with the centuries old Buddhist tradition as handed to us through Japan. For this reason, she was an active member of the national Zen organizations, including be president of SZBA for several years. Rev. Kenzan Seidenberg continues to be an active member of the Zen organizations listed below.
The links for these organizations provide information about Soto Zen Buddhism and how to locate other Soto Zen Centers.
Soto Zen Buddhist Association (SZBA)
Association of Soto Zen Buddhists (ASZB)
American Zen Teachers Association