Tōmyō-ji

Daiho began his practice as a teenager in 1996. In 1998, he took Jukai (lay ordination), followed by monastic ordination in 2003. He trained from 2003 - 2007 as a monk in both Rinzai and Soto monasteries, as well as travelled nationally and internationally to help lead sesshin for extended communities. This has afforded him the opportunity to work with many different teachers, in many different places. These include: Green Tara Sangha, Hollow Bones, Zen-Dojo Freiburg, Zen Buddhistische Zentrum Schwarzwald, Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-ji, Yokoji Zen Mountain Center, The Zen Center of Los Angeles, and Korinji. Daiho was recognized as Jushoku (fully trained Zen priest) in 2022 and finally, in 2023, he received Inka - dharma transmission - from Meido Moore Roshi and was recognized as a fully empowered teacher, able to train students.

Daiho’s diverse background has given him the experience to see what common elements, teaching styles and approaches work best. It has also made him aware of many common pitfalls that teachers and centers face. He is deeply attuned to the needs of a Western sangha, and the delicate situation of translating Zen into American society in a way that inspires the student in self-discovery and clarifies the essentials of this profound, non-dual teaching and practice method.

When he is not formally teaching, he works as an Acupuncturist and Classical Chinese Herbalist at Zen Root Healing Arts in Madison, Wisconsin. This background in East Asian Health has given him a deep understanding of human energetic and functional systems, especially as they relate to internal cultivation, particularly, concepts of “Qi.” This is quite useful for two reasons:

Firstly, it allows deeper understanding of Zen (and Zen-adjacent) texts on energetic cultivation, as these are firmly rooted in Classical Chinese Medical Theory, and are often replete with obscure references to seminal texts of Classical Chinese philosophy, including the I Ching, Huang Di Nei Jing, Zhuang Zi, Dao De Jing, Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, etc. (See Hakuin’s Yassenkanna, Orategama, and Dongshan’s Hōkyo Zanmai, etc.)

More importantly, however, it provides a clear framework to understand whether energetic practices are working correctly, or whether they are working against the practitioner. Daiho’s Classical Herbal training is in a decidedly Buddhist lineage. Furthermore, his understanding of the energetics of the seasons, food, emotions and illness gives him the ability to teach in a wholistic way, adjusting teachings to reflect our ever-changing world.

Daiho's Zen teachings and writings can be found on Patreon and Facebook.