Episode 39: Doshin Hannya Michael Nelson Roshi

Originally aired on May 9, 2022.

"We are about Waking Up, Growing Up, Cleaning Up, and Showing Up." My conversation with founder and Abbot of Integral Zen, Doshin M.J. Nelson Roshi.

Doshin Hannya Michael Nelson Roshi is the founder and abbot of Integral Zen. Doshin started studying Zen in the late 60’s, but without the guidance of a good teacher, he was confused and discouraged by the teachings. In earnest he began studying other meditative practices and martial arts which were difficult but less obscure. It wasn’t until he met JunPo Kando Denis Kelly, Roshi that the disciplined practice and eloquent simplicity of Zen suddenly took root and began to penetrate the dense clouds of his stubborn conditioned mind, revealing the ordinary, openness of vast empty sky. Doshin was recognized as a Zen Master and received Inka from JunPo, Roshi in 2011 in Loveland, CO.

Doshin is a poet, troublemaker, and teacher – a Zen Master of no rank. He is the founder of Integral Zen. the Colorado branch of the Hollow Bones Zen Order and co-founder of the Poetry of Dying Project, which uses the mirror of death to point to the essence of life. Doshin worked directly with JunPo as he first released and then developed the Process of Mondo Zen. He has been fully trained and is adequately skilled in this incredibly transformative practice.

In Rinzai Zen Buddhism, we practice zazen (sitting meditation), kinhin (walking meditation), as well as study koans with a Zen master or authorized teacher. We practice being completely present with whatever arises in our awareness.