Bonnie Myotai Treace
Bonnie Myotai Treace is a Zen teacher and priest recognized as a lineage holder in the Soto tradition. She is the founder of Hermitage Heart and formerly served as the abbot of the Zen Center of New York City. Myotai Sensei is known for her extensive training and service within the Mountains and Rivers Order (MRO), where she received dharma transmission from John Daido Loori.
Key Facts
- ›Lineage holder in the Soto Zen tradition.
- ›Founder of Hermitage Heart.
- ›Former abbot of the Zen Center of New York City (ZCNYC).
- ›Dharma successor of John Daido Loori, Roshi.
- ›Author of five books, including 'a Year of Zen' and 'Wake up'.
- ›Taught for over two decades in the Mountains and Rivers Order (MRO).
Important Relationships
A Year of Zen, Wake Up, Zen Meditation For Beginners, Winter Moon: A Season of Zen, Empty Branches
Hermitage Heart, Zen Center of New York City, Black Mountain, North Carolina, Asheville, North Carolina
John Daido Loori
English
Monastic Vows, Dharma Transmission
About Bonnie Myotai Treace
Bonnie Myotai Treace is a prominent Zen teacher and priest, recognized as a lineage holder within the Soto tradition. She is the founder of Hermitage Heart and previously served as the abbot of the Zen Center of New York City (ZCNYC). Treace's teachings are currently offered in Black Mountain and Asheville, North Carolina.
Life and Background
Myotai Sensei is the first Dharma successor of John Daido Loori, Roshi, in the Mountains and Rivers Order (MRO), having received dharma transmission from him in 1996. She dedicated over two decades to service and training within the MRO. During her tenure, she was instrumental in establishing the ZCNYC, serving as its first abbess. Her responsibilities within the MRO also included roles such as Vice Abbot, the first director of Dharma Communications, editor of Mountain Record, and coordinator of the order's affiliates.
Prior to her extensive work in Zen Buddhism, Treace held an advanced degree in literature. She also engaged in public service as a lobbyist for women's issues and worked as an analyst with the Potomac Research Institute, specializing in hydromechanics.
Teachings and Writings
Bonnie Myotai Treace is the author of five books exploring Zen practice, including "A Year of Zen," "Wake Up," "Zen Meditation for Beginners," "Winter Moon: A Season of Zen," and "Empty Branches." Her contributions also extend to chapters in various collections, such as "Water: Its Spiritual Significance" and "The Art of Just Sitting: Essential Writings on the Zen Practice of Shikantaza." Additionally, she has published numerous other writings and her teachings have been featured in prominent Buddhist publications like "Buddhadharma: The Practitioner's Quarterly" and "Mountain Record."
Dharma Transmission and Current Work
In 2016, Myotai Sensei transmitted dharma to Phil Sengetsu Kolman, Sensei, and appointed John Kyoman Weiczorek as Dharma Steward of Hermitage Heart. Although ordained as a Zen monastic, Treace now lives and teaches as a lay teacher, focusing her work primarily with her long-term students.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bonnie Myotai Treace?
Bonnie Myotai Treace is a Zen teacher and priest, founder of Hermitage Heart, and former abbot of the Zen Center of New York City. She is a lineage holder in the Soto tradition and a Dharma successor of John Daido Loori.
What is Bonnie Myotai Treace's role in the Mountains and Rivers Order (MRO)?
Myotai Treace served and trained for over two decades in the MRO. She was the establishing teacher and first abbess of the ZCNYC, and held positions such as Vice Abbot, director of Dharma Communications, and editor of Mountain Record.
What are some of Bonnie Myotai Treace's notable works?
Bonnie Myotai Treace is the author of five books: 'A Year of Zen', 'Wake Up', 'Zen Meditation for Beginners', 'Winter Moon: A Season of Zen', and 'Empty Branches'. Her teachings have also appeared in various Buddhist publications.
Where does Bonnie Myotai Treace teach?
Bonnie Myotai Treace currently teaches in Black Mountain and Asheville, North Carolina. She works primarily with her long-term students.
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