Sherry Chayat

Shinge-shitsu Roko Sherry Chayat

Shinge-shitsu Roko Sherry Chayat, born in 1943, is a significant figure in contemporary American Zen Buddhism, particularly within the Rinzai school. She is recognized for her leadership roles, her advocacy for contemplative practices in healthcare, and her contributions as an editor of important Zen texts.

Life and Historical Context

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Sherry Chayat's early life included periods in New Mexico and New Jersey. Her interest in Zen Buddhism began in her youth, leading to informal studies during college and later a formal commitment to the practice. In 1967, she joined the Zen Studies Society in New York City, where she trained under prominent teachers such as Eido Tai Shimano, Haku'un Yasutani, and Soen Nakagawa. After moving to Syracuse and taking a period away from the Zen Studies Society, she became involved with a local sitting group, eventually leading it and being ordained as a Zen priest in 1985 by Maurine Stuart Roshi.

Chayat continued her advanced training at Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-ji, receiving Dharma transmission from Eido Shimano Roshi in 1998. This marked a significant milestone, as she became the first American woman to receive transmission in the Rinzai school. In 2008, she received the title of roshi and the Dharma name Shinge from Eido Roshi, in a ceremony held for the first time in the United States. She was installed as the second Abbot of Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-ji on New Year's Day 2011, serving until her retirement in October 2023.

Major Contributions

Sherry Chayat is a proponent of integrating meditation and contemplative practices into medical settings. Through the Zen Center of Syracuse Hoen-ji, she has been instrumental in developing programs like "Well/Being Contemplative Practices for Healing," aimed at supporting healthcare professionals. Her editorial work includes contributions to significant publications such as "Subtle Sound: the Zen Teachings of Maurine Stuart," "Endless Vow: The Zen Path of Soen Nakagawa," and "Eloquent Silence: Nyogen Senzaki's Gateless Gate and Other Previously Unpublished Teachings and Letters." She also authored "Life Lessons: The Art of Jerome Witkin."

Important Relationships

Chayat's spiritual lineage and development were profoundly shaped by her teachers, including Eido Tai Shimano, Haku'un Yasutani, Soen Nakagawa, and Maurine Stuart Roshi. Her association with these figures is central to her understanding and transmission of Zen practice.