This event is donation-based and open to all.
Rev. Daiken Nelson, Roshi began Zen Practice 34 years ago in Iowa, where he was born. Since that time, he has practiced with several Teachers within the White Plum Zen Lineage of Taizan Maezumi Roshi & 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").
Daiken is the Founder & Guiding Teacher of the Pamsula Zen Center in W. Harlem, NYC.
Daiken is also the Founder of The Mandala Café, a nonprofit which provides culinary training and catering job opportunities for those who can’t afford it or who have barriers to employment, including individuals living in shelters, those who were formerly incarcerated, undocumented immigrants, veterans, those coping with mental health and substance abuse issues, and youth