Charles Tenshin Fletcher
United States·White Plum lineage·Male·21st century
Charles Tenshin Fletcher is an English-American Zen teacher known for his role as abbot of Yokoji Zen Mountain Center and his extensive training in various Zen practices. He received Dharma transmission in the White Plum lineage and is certified by the Japanese Sōtō Zen sect.
Key Facts
- ›Born in Manchester, England, and moved to the us in 1979.
- ›Studied at the Zen Center of Los Angeles with founder Taizan Maezumi Rōshi.
- ›Served as jisha (personal attendant) to Taizan Maezumi Rōshi.
- ›Received Dharma transmission in the White Plum lineage in 1994.
- ›Became abbot of Yokoji Zen Mountain Center in 1995.
- ›Certified as a Kokusai Fukyōshi by the Japanese Sōtō Zen sect.
Important Relationships
- Taizan Maezumi Rōshi
Way of Zen
Zen Center of Los Angeles, Yokoji Zen Mountain Center, San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild, California, Liverpool, Uk
Taizan Maezumi RōShi
About Charles Tenshin Fletcher
Charles Tenshin Fletcher is an English-American Zen teacher and a significant figure within the White Plum lineage. Born in Manchester, England, he relocated to the United States in 1979 to pursue his Buddhist studies.
Life and Training
Fletcher began his training at the Zen Center of Los Angeles, where he studied under its founder, Taizan Maezumi Rōshi. During this period, he also served as Maezumi Rōshi's personal attendant (jisha). His dedication and practice led him to receive Dharma transmission in the White Plum lineage from Maezumi Rōshi in 1994, granting him authorization to teach.
Leadership and Teaching
For many years, Fletcher was involved in the administration of the Zen Center of Los Angeles. Following the passing of Taizan Maezumi Rōshi on May 15, 1995, Charles Tenshin Fletcher was appointed abbot of Yokoji Zen Mountain Center, a position he continues to hold. Located in the San Jacinto Mountains near Idyllwild, California, Yokoji Zen Mountain Center is a key center for his teachings.
Fletcher has received certification as a Kokusai Fukyōshi, meaning "Official Foreign Representative," from the Japanese Sōtō Zen sect. His training encompasses various Zen practices, including kōan study and shikantaza (just sitting), as well as more contemporary forms of practice. In addition to his extensive work in the United States, he travels annually to the United Kingdom to lead meditation retreats near Liverpool.
Publications
Charles Tenshin Fletcher co-authored the book "Way of ZEN" with David Shoji Scott, published in 2001.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Charles Tenshin Fletcher?
Charles Tenshin Fletcher is an English-American Zen teacher. He is recognized for his administrative roles at Zen Center of Los Angeles and his current position as abbot of Yokoji Zen Mountain Center.
Where did Charles Tenshin Fletcher train?
He trained at the Zen Center of Los Angeles under Taizan Maezumi Rōshi. He also received Dharma transmission in the White Plum lineage from Maezumi Rōshi.
What is Charles Tenshin Fletcher's role at Yokoji Zen Mountain Center?
Charles Tenshin Fletcher Rōshi is the abbot at Yokoji Zen Mountain Center, located in the San Jacinto Mountains near Idyllwild, California. He has held this position since 1995.
Is Charles Tenshin Fletcher certified by a Japanese Zen sect?
Yes, he is certified as a Kokusai Fukyōshi ('Official Foreign Representative') by Sōtō-shū Shûmusôchô, which is the Japanese Sōtō Zen sect.
What practices has Tenshin Rōshi trained in?
Tenshin Rōshi has trained thoroughly in kōan practice and shikantaza, as well as other more recently developed forms of practice within Zen Buddhism.
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