John Daido Loori
John Daido Loori was a prominent Zen Buddhist rōshi, abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery, and founder of the Mountains and Rivers Order. He is recognized for his extensive teachings, authored works, and significant contributions to Zen Buddhism in the United States, bridging both Soto and Rinzai lineages. Loori was also an accomplished photographer and naturalist.
Key Facts
- ›Founder of the Mountains and Rivers Order and abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery.
- ›Received dharma transmission in Soto and Rinzai Zen lineages.
- ›Authored over twenty books on Zen Buddhism, photography, and nature.
- ›Was an exhibited nature photographer, with work shown at the American Museum of Natural History.
- ›Founded Dharma Communications, a successful publisher of Buddhist materials.
- ›Died in 2009 from lung cancer.
Important Relationships
- Taizan Maezumi (teacher)
- Minor White (teacher)
- Soen Nakagawa (teacher)
- Bonnie Myotai Treace (student)
- Geoffrey Shugen Arnold (student)
- Konrad Ryushin Marchaj (student)
- Mountains and Rivers Order
- Zen Mountain Monastery
- Dharma Communications
- the Way of Mountains and Rivers
- the Zen Art Box
- Hearing With the Eye: Teachings of the Insentient
- the Zen of Creativity : Cultivating Your Artistic Life
- the Eight Gates of Zen : A Program of Zen Training
- Sitting With Koans : Essential Writings On the Zen Practice of Koan Study
- the True Dharma Eye : Zen Master Dogen's Three Hundred Koans
- the Heart of Being: Moral and Ethical Teachings of Zen Buddhism
- the Art of Just Sitting, Second Edition : Essential Writings On the Zen Practice of Shikantaza
- Celebrating Everyday Life: Zen Home Liturgy
- Making Love With Light
- Riding the Ox Home : Stages On the Path of Enlightenment
- the Still Point: A Beginner's Guide To Zen Meditation
- Cave of Tigers : Modern Zen Encounters
- Invoking Reality: Moral and Ethical Teachings of Zen
- Path of Enlightenment: Stages In A Spiritual Journey
- Two Arrows Meeting In Mid-Air: the Zen Koan
- Mountain Record of Zen Talks
- Teachings of the Insentient: Zen and the Environment
Zen Mountain Monastery, Mount Tremper, New York, Jersey City, New Jersey
Taizan Maezumi, Minor White, Soen Nakagawa, Eihei Dogen
English
Zen Priest
About John Daido Loori
John Daido Loori (June 14, 1931 – October 9, 2009) was a significant figure in American Zen Buddhism, known as a rōshi (Zen master), the abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery, and the founder of the Mountains and Rivers Order. He was also the CEO of Dharma Communications and an accomplished photographer and author.
Life and Historical Context
Born John Daido Loori in Jersey City, New Jersey, he was raised Roman Catholic. After serving in the U.S. Navy and working as a chemist, Loori explored various religions and spiritual paths. His engagement with Zen began in earnest after attending a workshop by photographer Minor White, under whom he studied photography and meditation. Loori commenced his formal Zen practice in 1972, studying with Soen Nakagawa and later Taizan Maezumi in California. In 1980, he purchased land that would become the site of Zen Mountain Monastery.
Major Contributions
Loori received dharma transmission (shiho) from Taizan Maezumi in 1986 and was later formally recognized by the Soto school of Japan in 1994. He also obtained dharma transmission in the Harada-Yasutani and Inzan lineages of Rinzai Zen, making him a holder of both Soto and Rinzai lineages. He established the Mountains and Rivers Order and Zen Mountain Monastery, fostering a vibrant community for practitioners. Through Dharma Communications, he facilitated the dissemination of Buddhist teachings, publishing the quarterly "Mountain Record" and numerous books and audio-visual materials. Loori was himself a prolific author of over twenty books on Zen practice, philosophy, and nature, and was also an exhibited photographer whose work explored the intersection of art and spirituality.
Important Relationships
Key figures in Loori's spiritual development included his teachers Taizan Maezumi, Minor White, and Soen Nakagawa. He also transmitted the dharma to students such as Bonnie Myotai Treace, Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, and Konrad Ryushin Marchaj, ensuring the continuation of his lineage.
Legacy
John Daido Loori is remembered for his extensive body of written and photographic work, his role in establishing major Zen institutions in the United States, and his ability to integrate Zen teachings with contemporary life, art, and environmental awareness. He passed away in 2009 due to lung cancer.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was John Daido Loori?
John Daido Loori was an American Zen Buddhist rōshi, abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery, and the founder of the Mountains and Rivers Order. He was also a prolific author and an exhibited photographer.
What was John Daido Loori's role in Zen Buddhism?
Loori served as the abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery and founded the Mountains and Rivers Order. He received dharma transmission in both the Soto and Rinzai Zen traditions, making him a significant figure in the development of Zen in the United States.
What are some of John Daido Loori's notable works?
He authored over twenty books, including titles like "The Way of Mountains and Rivers," "Hearing with the Eye: Teachings of the Insentient," and "The Eight Gates of Zen: A Program of Zen Training." He also produced numerous audio-visual dharma materials.
Was John Daido Loori also known for photography?
Yes, John Daido Loori was a professional nature photographer whose work was exhibited at institutions such as the American Museum of Natural History. His photography often explored themes of nature and spirituality.
When and where did John Daido Loori live?
John Daido Loori was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on June 14, 1931, and died in Mount Tremper, New York, on October 9, 2009. He lived and worked extensively in New York State.
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