Jakusho Kwong
Jakusho Kwong, born William Kwong, is a Chinese-American Zen Buddhist teacher in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki. He is the founder and head abbot of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center and received the title Dendo Kyoshi from the Soto School of Japan in 1995. Kwong began his Zen practice in 1960 under Shunryu Suzuki, becoming one of his earliest students.
Key Facts
- ›Born William Kwong on November 14, 1935, in Santa Rosa, California.
- ›Founder and head abbot of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center in Sonoma County, California.
- ›Received the title Dendo Kyoshi (Zen teacher) from the Soto School of Japan in 1995.
- ›Began studying Soto Zen with Shunryu Suzuki in 1960.
- ›Completed Dharma transmission with Hoitsu Suzuki, Shunryu Suzuki's son.
- ›Has led retreats and workshops in Poland and Iceland.
Important Relationships
- Shunryu Suzuki
- Hoitsu Suzuki
- Laura Kwong
Sonoma Mountain Zen Center, San Francisco
Shunryu Suzuki, Hoitsu Suzuki
About Jakusho Kwong
Jakusho Kwong, born William Kwong on November 14, 1935, is a significant Chinese-American Zen Buddhist teacher within the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki. He is recognized as the founder and head abbot of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center, located in Sonoma County, California. In 1995, he was awarded the title Dendo Kyoshi, signifying his status as a Zen teacher, by the Soto School of Japan.
Early Life and Path to Zen
Born in Santa Rosa, California, Kwong's early adulthood included studies at San Jose State University and a near-fatal car accident in the 1950s that necessitated a period of recovery. After leaving university due to conflicts with an instructor and working as a sign painter, Kwong and his wife Laura sought an alternative lifestyle. This quest led him to an article featuring Shunryu Suzuki, which marked the beginning of his engagement with Zen Buddhism.
Zen Practice and Transmission
In 1960, Kwong commenced his Soto Zen studies with Shunryu Suzuki in San Francisco, becoming one of Suzuki's earliest disciples. Although Suzuki intended to grant Dharma transmission to Kwong in 1971, his passing preceded the completion of this process. Following preparatory studies with Kobun Chino, Kwong eventually received Dharma transmission from Hoitsu Suzuki, Shunryu Suzuki's son and successor, fulfilling his teacher's original intention.
Founding Sonoma Mountain Zen Center and Global Outreach
In 1973, Jakusho Kwong, along with his wife Laura (who received the ordination name Shinko) and their four sons, moved to an eighty-two-acre farm in Sonoma County, California, with the vision of establishing a meditation center. This endeavor culminated in the creation of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center. Over the years, Kwong has extended his teachings internationally, leading retreats and workshops and delivering Dharma talks to affiliate groups in countries such as Poland and Iceland.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jakusho Kwong?
Jakusho Kwong, born William Kwong, is a Chinese-American Zen Buddhist teacher. He is a prominent figure in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki and the founder of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center.
When and where did Jakusho Kwong begin his Zen practice?
Jakusho Kwong began studying Soto Zen with Shunryu Suzuki in San Francisco in 1960. He was one of Suzuki's first students.
What is Sonoma Mountain Zen Center?
Sonoma Mountain Zen Center is a meditation center established by Jakusho Kwong and his wife Laura in Sonoma County, California. Kwong serves as its head abbot.
What recognition has Jakusho Kwong received?
In 1995, Jakusho Kwong received the title Dendo Kyoshi, meaning Zen teacher, from the Soto School of Japan.
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