Sante Poromaa
Sante Poromaa Roshi is a Swedish Zen Buddhist teacher, recognized as a Roshi in the tradition of Philip Kapleau and Bodhin Kjolhede. He co-leads Zenbuddhistiska Samfundet, a significant Zen Buddhist organization in Sweden with centers across Europe. Poromaa is known for his teachings, meditation retreats, and his book "The Net of Indra – Rebirth in Science and Buddhism," exploring common ground between Buddhist and scientific worldviews.
Key Facts
- ›Born in 1958 in Kiruna, Sweden.
- ›Ordained as a Zen priest in 1991 and completed formal koan training in 1993.
- ›Authorized as an independent teacher (Roshi) in the "Cloud-Water Sangha" lineage.
- ›Co-leads Zenbuddhistiska Samfundet with Kanja Odland Roshi.
- ›Authored "the Net of Indra – Rebirth in Science and Buddhism" (2009) and other books.
- ›Involved in founding the Swedish Buddhist Community in 1992.
Important Relationships
- Kanja Odland Roshi
- Zenbuddhistiska Samfundet
- Swedish Buddhist Community
- Cloud-Water Sangha
- the Net of Indra – Rebirth In Science and Buddhism
- the Eightfold Path In Zen
- It's Never Too Late — To Give Up
- Bortom Alla Begrepp: Buddhas VäG Till Frihet
- Varandets VäV
Kiruna, ZengåRden, Fellingsbro, Stockholm, Gothenburg, Lund, Tampere, Cologne, Glasgow
Philip Kapleau, Bodhin Kjolhede
English, Swedish
Zen Priest Ordination
About Sante Poromaa
Sante Poromaa Roshi
Sante Poromaa Roshi (born 1958) is a prominent Swedish Zen Buddhist teacher, holding the title of Roshi within the lineage of Philip Kapleau and Bodhin Kjolhede. Born in Kiruna, Sweden, Poromaa began his Zen training in the early 1980s under Philip Kapleau and later continued under Kapleau's successor, Bodhin Kjolhede. He was ordained as a Zen priest in 1991 and completed his formal koan training in 1993.
Teaching and Organizations
Poromaa, along with co-teacher Kanja Odland Roshi, leads Zenbuddhistiska Samfundet (ZBS), a significant Zen Buddhist organization in Sweden with centers in several European countries, including Finland, Germany, and Scotland. ZBS has approximately 500 members and is part of the Swedish Buddhist Community, which Poromaa helped found in 1992. He offers regular sesshin (meditation retreats) in English at Zengården, ZBS's training temple in rural Sweden, and also engages in public talks and panel discussions on social, philosophical, and religious issues.
Scholarship and Publications
Despite his artistic training, Poromaa has a strong interest in science, particularly in exploring the intersections between Buddhist philosophy and scientific worldviews. This exploration led to the publication of his book "The Net of Indra – Rebirth in Science and Buddhism" in 2009. He has also authored other works such as "The Eightfold Path in Zen" (2016) and "It's Never Too Late — To Give Up" (2019), as well as books in Swedish. Poromaa has authorized five of his students as Zen teachers, continuing the transmission of his lineage.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sante Poromaa Roshi?
Sante Poromaa Roshi is a Swedish Zen Buddhist teacher who holds the title of Roshi. He is a prominent figure in the tradition founded by Philip Kapleau and Bodhin Kjolhede.
What is Zenbuddhistiska Samfundet?
Zenbuddhistiska Samfundet (ZBS) is one of the major traditions of Zen Buddhism in Sweden, co-led by Sante Poromaa Roshi and Kanja Odland Roshi. It operates centers in Sweden and other European countries.
What is Sante Poromaa's background in Zen training?
Sante Poromaa began his Zen training in the early 1980s under Philip Kapleau. After Kapleau's semi-retirement, he became a student of Kapleau's successor, Bodhin Kjolhede.
What are Sante Poromaa's notable publications?
Sante Poromaa has authored several books, including "The Net of Indra – Rebirth in Science and Buddhism" (2009), "The Eightfold Path in Zen" (2016), and "It's Never Too Late — To Give Up" (2019). He also has works in Swedish, such as "Bortom alla begrepp: Buddhas väg till frihet" (1997).
Where does Sante Poromaa teach?
Sante Poromaa Roshi leads Zenbuddhistiska Samfundet from Zengården, its training temple in Fellingsbro, Sweden. He also offers regular sesshin (meditation retreats) there, which are conducted in English.
Related Buddhists
Kanja Odland
Kanja Odland is a Swedish Zen Buddhist teacher (Roshi) and priest recognized for her role in leading Zenbuddhistiska Samfundet, a significant Zen tradition in Sweden. She is notable as the first female Zen teacher from Sweden to receive dharma transmission in the 'Cloud-Water Sangha' lineage.
Issan Dorsey
Issan Dorsey, born Tommy Dorsey Jr., was a Sōtō Zen monk and teacher who served as the abbot of Hartford Street Zen Center in San Francisco. He is recognized for his compassionate work establishing the Maitri Hospice, the first Buddhist hospice in the United States, which cared for individuals dying of AIDS. Many of his students and colleagues viewed him as an embodiment of a bodhisattva.
Adyashanti
Adyashanti, born Stephen Gray, is an American spiritual teacher and author known for his teachings on awakening and embodying enlightenment. He founded Open Gate Sangha with his wife Mukti, a nonprofit organization that disseminates his talks, courses, and retreats. Adyashanti's work draws from Zen Buddhism and Christian mysticism, emphasizing a direct experience of truth beyond religious dogma.