Henry Shukman
United Kingdom·Sanbo Zen·Male·21st century
Henry Shukman is an English meditation teacher, Zen master, poet, and author known for teaching mindfulness and awakening practices. He is an authorized Zen master in the Sanbo Zen lineage and co-founder of The Way meditation app. Shukman's work often integrates his healing journey from chronic eczema, his background in poetry and fiction, and his extensive Zen training.
Key Facts
- ›Born in Oxford, Oxfordshire, in 1962.
- ›An authorized Zen master in the Sanbo Zen lineage.
- ›Spiritual director emeritus of Mountain Cloud Zen Center.
- ›Co-founder and lead meditation teacher of the Way meditation app.
- ›Author of poetry collections and fiction novels, including 'in Dr No's Garden' and 'Sandstorm'.
- ›His spiritual memoir is titled 'one Blade of Grass: Finding the Old Road of the Heart'.
Important Relationships
- Harold Shukman (father)
- David Shukman (brother)
- Clare Dunne (wife)
- Ryu'un (teaching name)
- Sons of the Moon
- Travels With My Trombone
- Savage Pilgrims
- Darien Dogs
- Sandstorm
- Mortimer of the Maghreb
- the Lost City
- Archangel
- In Dr No's Garden
- One Blade of Grass: Finding the Old Road of the Heart
Oxford, New Mexico, Mountain Cloud Zen Center, Wordsworth Trust
Sanbo Zen, Transcendental Meditation, Shinzen Young, Stephen Snyder
English
About Henry Shukman
Henry Shukman (born 1962) is an English figure in the world of meditation and Zen Buddhism, recognized as a meditation teacher, Zen master, poet, and author. He is particularly known for teaching mindfulness and awakening practices, and is an authorized Zen master within the Sanbo Zen lineage. Shukman also holds the title of spiritual director emeritus at the Mountain Cloud Zen Center and is a co-founder and lead meditation teacher for The Way, a meditation application.
Biography and Early Life
Shukman grew up in Oxford, UK. His early passion for poetry led him to explore Chinese Zen poetry, which eventually shaped his career as a writer and poet for many years. His personal journey has been significantly influenced by his experiences with severe eczema and associated psychological issues from infancy into his twenties. Meditation, alongside various therapeutic approaches, played a crucial role in his healing process. He has chronicled this journey in his spiritual memoir, "One Blade of Grass: Finding the Old Road of the Heart."
Writing and Literary Career
Before fully dedicating himself to spiritual teaching, Shukman had a notable career as a writer and poet. His literary output includes travel memoirs such as "Sons of the Moon" and "Savage Pilgrims," and fiction including "Sandstorm," which won the UK Authors' Club Best First Novel Award, and "The Lost City." His poetry has also received significant recognition, with "In Dr No's Garden" winning the Jerwood Aldeburgh Poetry Prize. He has been published in prominent literary journals and magazines, and his work often draws on personal experience and historical research.
Spiritual and Zen Background
Shukman's path into Zen Buddhism began after a spontaneous spiritual awakening at age 19. He trained in various meditation schools before embarking on a long journey of healing and deeper awakening under the guidance of several Roshis. Yamada Roshi, the international abbot of Sanbo Zen, ultimately appointed him as a teacher in 2010. He has since taught Zen meditation internationally and at institutions like Harvard Business School. Shukman also teaches mindfulness, having been authorized by Shinzen Young, and has studied Jhana practice. His approach to spirituality and meditation, which emphasizes Original Love, led to the development of his Original Love meditation program in 2021 and the creation of The Way meditation app in 2024.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Henry Shukman's background in Zen Buddhism?
Henry Shukman is an authorized Zen master in the Sanbo Zen lineage. He trained under Roshis John Gaynor, Joan Rieck, Ruben Habito, and Yamada Roshi, who appointed him a teacher in 2010. He is also the spiritual director emeritus of Mountain Cloud Zen Center.
What are Henry Shukman's notable works as an author?
Shukman has authored several books, including travel memoirs like 'Sons of the Moon' and 'Savage Pilgrims,' fiction such as 'Darien Dogs' and 'Sandstorm,' and poetry collections like 'In Dr No's Garden.' His spiritual memoir, 'One Blade of Grass: Finding the Old Road of the Heart,' details his personal journey.
How did meditation influence Henry Shukman's life?
Meditation was a key element in Henry Shukman's journey of healing from severe eczema and associated psychological problems, which he experienced from infancy into his 20s. His early practice was Transcendental Meditation, which later led him to Zen meditation.
What is The Way meditation app?
The Way is a meditation app co-founded by Henry Shukman and launched in February 2024. It offers a single pathway of meditation training that guides students through his specific approach to mindfulness and awakening practices.
What is Henry Shukman's Original Love meditation programme?
Developed in 2021, the Original Love meditation programme is a spiritual approach created by Shukman. It is founded on the principle of cultivating love for oneself and the world.
What is Henry Shukman's family background?
Henry Shukman grew up in Oxford, UK, where his parents were professors. His father was historian Harold Shukman, and his brother is BBC News reporter David Shukman. He is of Jewish ancestry and is married to artist Clare Dunne, with whom he has two sons.
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