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'''Dennis Genpo Merzel-[[roshi]]''' (born 1944) is a [[Zen]] teacher and founder of the Kanzeon International Sangha. He developed the "[[Big Mind|Big Mind process]]", a composite of Zen and western psychological techniques. He is the [[author]] of five books and several DVDs. |
'''Dennis Genpo Merzel-[[roshi]]''' (born 1944) is a [[Zen]] teacher and founder of the Kanzeon International Sangha. He developed the "[[Big Mind|Big Mind process]]", a composite of Zen and western psychological techniques. He is the [[author]] of five books and several DVDs. He lives in [[Salt Lake City]], Utah with his wife, Stephanie Young Merzel. |
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==Biography== |
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Dennis Merzel was born in [[Brooklyn, New York]], and raised in [[Southern California]]. In high school and college he was an All-American water polo player and champion swimmer. While attending [[junior college]], he was co-captain of a state champion water polo team in 1963. |
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In 1965 he was on the water polo team that won the gold medal at the Israeli [[Maccabean Games]]. He attended the [[University of Southern California]], obtaining a [[Masters degree]] in educational administration and went on to become a school teacher.<ref name="omega">{{cite web| last =| first =| authorlink =| coauthors =| title =Faculty Profile| work =| publisher =Omega Institute| date =|url=http://www.eomega.org/omega/faculty/viewProfile/b4e2666110bcf427e5cc53082bf357da/?printable=true| format =| doi =| accessdate = 2008-01-03}}</ref><ref name="jarvik">{{cite web| last =Jarvik| first =Elaine| authorlink =| coauthors =| title =The Zen of Sitting| work =| publisher =Desert Morning News| date =2005-08-26| url =http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,600158906,00.html| doi =| accessdate = 2008-01-03}}</ref> |
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[[File:Taizan Maezumi and Dennis Genpo Merzel.jpg|thumb|[[Taizan Maezumi]] and Dennis Genpo Merzel]] |
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[[File:Genpo Roshi 1980.jpg|thumb|Genpo Roshi in 1980]] |
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In 1973 he was ordained as a Zen Buddhist monk in the [[Sōtō]] tradition by [[Taizan Maezumi]]-[[roshi]] (Maezumi was authorized in three separate Zen traditions, but ordained monks in the Soto school.) He completed [[koan]] study with Maezumi in 1979, and in 1980 he received [[shiho]] (authorization to teach independently and ordain monks). Starting in 1982 Merzel began traveling to areas of Europe and established an international network of Zen groups. |
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Merzel married for the first time to Hobai Liu, a violinist.{{When|date=February 2011}} He has two children with her, Tai and Nicole. |
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In 1987, he became Abbot of Big Mind Western Zen Center (formerly known as [[Kanzeon Zen Center]]) in [[Salt Lake City, Utah]]. |
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In 1990 Merzel was accused of sexual misconduct by his students at the Kanzeon Zen Center in Bar Harbor Maine, where he was abbot, and asked to leave, which he did.<ref>Grayson, Sarah (Hye Shim Se Nim). “Editorial.” ''One Mind Dharma Gate'' vol. 1, no. 2 (August 1991).</ref><ref>Rowan, Diana. “Open Letter to Friends at San Francisco Zen Center, Green Gulch/Tassajara and Elsewhere.” ''One Mind Dharma Gate'' vol. 1, no. 2 (August 1991).</ref> The center subsequently closed; Merzel and Liu divorced. |
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He moved to Salt Lake City in 1993. Merzel married a second time{{When|date=February 2011}} to Stephanie Young (a great-great granddaughter of [[Brigham Young]].) |
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In 1996, Merzel received formal [[inka]], or full authorization to pass on the [[Harada-Yasutani]] lineage of Zen from [[Bernard Glassman]], Maezumi's first [[Dharma]] successor. Merzel served as President of the Maezumi-founded [[White Plum Asanga]] from 1996 to 2007. |
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In February, 2011, due to sexual misconduct with several students<ref>Wick, Shishin, president, White Plum Asangha, public statement: "This resignation is a result of his recent disclosures regarding sexual misconduct with several of his students." http://www.whiteplum.org/index.html</ref> and resulting controversy, on his website Merzel apologized and announced that he was disrobing as a Buddhist priest, and would no longer conduct ordinations or the giving of precepts. He also resigned as an elder of the White Plum Asanga. He said that he would continue to teach Big Mind.<ref>http://bigmind.org/Home.html "I have chosen to disrobe as a Buddhist Priest, and will stop giving Buddhist Precepts or Ordinations, but I will continue teaching Big Mind...My actions have caused a tremendous amount of pain, confusion, and controversy for my wife, family, and Sangha, and for this I am truly sorry and greatly regret...I am also resigning as an elder of the White Plum Asanga."</ref><ref>http://www.tricycle.com/blog/genpo-merzel-disrobes</ref> |
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Before disrobing, Merzel gave [[shiho]] to thirteen students: Catherine Genno Pagès (1992), the late John Shodo Flatt (1994), Anton Tenkei Coppens (1996), Malgosia Jiho Braunek (2003), Daniel Doen Silberberg (2003), Nico Sojun Tydeman (2004), Nancy Genshin Gabrysch (2006), Diane Musho Hamilton (2006), Michael Mugaku Zimmerman (2006), Rich Taido Christofferson (2007), Michel Genko Dubois (2007), Tamara Myoho Gabrysch (2008), Maurice Shonen Knegtel (2009), and KC Kyozen Sato Gerpheide (2009). |
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He conferred [[inka]] (full Dharma transmission/authorization) to eight Zen teachers: the late [[John Daido Loori]], Catherine Genno Pages, Anton Tenkei Coppens, Jan Chozen Bays, Charles Tenshin Fletcher, Nicolee Jikyo McMahon, Susan Myoyu Andersen, and Sydney Musai Walters. |
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=="Big Mind"== |
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Merzel began developing the "Big Mind Process" in 1999. It combines Eastern meditation and Western psychological techniques to transmit the essence of Zen teachings in a way that Merzel claims is potentially more accessible and relevant to Westerners, with the expectation that realizations can be deepened through meditation. |
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The Big Mind Process is intended to enable participants to get in touch with various aspects of themselves by identifying and dialoguing from these states of mind. In a guided process, participants voice these aspects, including "ordinary" ones like "the Protector""the Skeptic" and "Desiring Mind", and "transcendent" ones such as the "Non-Seeking/Non-Grasping Mind", "the Way", and "Big Mind and Big Heart". |
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Since 1999, he has offered workshops to more than 20,000 individuals internationally.{{Citation needed|date=February 2011}} The Big Mind Process is also available on DVDs and online. |
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==Criticism== |
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Merzel has been heavily criticized by Soto priest and Zen teacher Brad Warner. Warner claims that the Big Mind Process distorts orthodox Zen practice and teachings, and is potentially dangerous.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hardcorezen.blogspot.com/2010/04/big-mind-sucks-part-million.html |title=HARDCORE ZEN: Big Mind™ Sucks (Part A Million) |publisher=Hardcorezen.blogspot.com |date=2010-04-29 |accessdate=2010-09-12}}</ref><ref>http://www.elephantjournal.com/2011/02/disrobing-genpo--brad-warner/</ref> |
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==Bibliography== |
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* ''The Eye Never Sleeps: Striking to the Heart of Zen'' (1991, [[Shambhala Publications]]) |
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* ''Beyond Sanity and Madness the Way of Zen Master Dogen'' (1994, [[Tuttle Publishing]]) |
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* ''24/7 Dharma: Impermanence, No-Self, Nirvana'' (2001, Journey Editions) |
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* ''The Path of the Human Being: Zen Teachings on the Bodhisattva Way'' (2005, Shambhala Publications) |
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* ''Big Mind, Big Heart: Finding Your Way'' (2007, Big Mind Publishing) |
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== See also == |
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*[[Timeline of Zen Buddhism in the United States]] |
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==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
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{{Commons category|Dennis Genpo Merzel}} |
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==External links== |
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*[http://www.bigmind.org Big Mind Western Zen Center] |
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* [http://www.buddhistgeeks.com/author/genporoshi/ Audio Interview Series] on [[Buddhist Geeks]] |
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{{Buddhism2}} |
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{{ModernDharmicWriters}} |
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{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. --> |
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| NAME = Merzel, Dennis Genpo |
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| ALTERNATIVE NAMES = |
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| SHORT DESCRIPTION = |
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| DATE OF BIRTH = |
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| PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Brooklyn, New York]], [[United States|USA]] |
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| DATE OF DEATH = |
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| PLACE OF DEATH = |
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}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Merzel, Dennis Genpo}} |
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[[Category:Modern Buddhist writers]] |
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[[Category:Sanbo Kyodan Buddhists]] |
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[[Category:White Plum Asanga]] |
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[[Category:Zen Buddhism writers]] |
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[[Category:Zen Buddhist monks and priests]] |
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[[Category:1944 births]] |
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[[Category:Living people]] |
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[[Category:University of Southern California alumni]] |
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[[Category:American Zen Buddhists]] |
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[[Category:Converts to Buddhism]] |
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{{Infobox religious biography |
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|background = #FFD068 | color = black |
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|name = Dennis Genpo Merzel |
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|image = [[File:Dennis Genpo Merzel.jpg|250px]] |
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|birth name = Dennis Merzel |
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|dharma name = Genpo |
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|birth_date = 3.6.1944 |
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|birth_place = [[Brooklyn, New York]], [[United States|USA]] |
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|nationality = [[United States|American]] |
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|religion = [[Zen]] |
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|school = [[Harada-Yasutani]] |
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|lineage = [[White Plum Asanga]] |
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|title = [[Roshi]] |
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|location = [[Kanzeon Zen Center]] |
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|education = [[University of Southern California]] |
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|occupation = [[Roshi]]<br />Author |
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|teacher = [[Taizan Maezumi]] |
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|successor = Catherine Genno Pagès (1992)<br />John Shodo Flatt (1994)<br /> Anton Tenkei Coppens (1996)<br />Malgosia Jiho Braunek (2003)<br />Daniel Doen Silberberg (2003) <br />Nico Sojun Tydeman (2004)<br />Nancy Genshin Gabrysch (2006) <br />Diane Musho Hamilton (2006)<br />Michael Mugaku Zimmerman (2006)<br />Rich Taido Christofferson (2007)<br />Michel Genko Dubois (2007)<br />Tamara Myoho Gabrysch (2008)<br />Maurice Shonen Knegtel (2009)<br />KC Kyozen Sato (2009) |
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|website = [http://www.bigmind.org/ www.bigmind.org] |
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}} |
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'''Dennis Genpo Merzel-[[roshi]]''' (born 1944) is a [[Zen]] teacher and founder of the Kanzeon International Sangha. He developed the "[[Big Mind|Big Mind process]]", a composite of Zen and western psychological techniques. He is the [[author]] of five books and several DVDs. He lives in [[Salt Lake City]], Utah with his wife, Stephanie Young Merzel. |
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==Biography== |
==Biography== |
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===Early Life and Education=== |
===Early Life and Education=== |
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Dennis Merzel was born in [[Brooklyn, New York]], and raised in [[Southern California]]. He attended the [[University of Southern California]], obtaining a [[Masters degree]] in educational administration and went on to become a school teacher.<ref name="omega">{{cite web| last =| first =| authorlink =| coauthors =| title =Faculty Profile| work =| publisher =Omega Institute| date =|url=http://www.eomega.org/omega/faculty/viewProfile/b4e2666110bcf427e5cc53082bf357da/?printable=true| format =| doi =| accessdate = 2008-01-03}}</ref><ref name="jarvik">{{cite web| last =Jarvik| first =Elaine| authorlink =| coauthors =| title =The Zen of Sitting| work =| publisher =Desert Morning News| date =2005-08-26| url =http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,600158906,00.html| doi =| accessdate = 2008-01-03}}</ref> |
Dennis Merzel was born in [[Brooklyn, New York]], and raised in [[Southern California]]. In high school and college he was an All-American water polo player and champion swimmer. He won a gold medal in water polo at the 1965 Israeli [[Maccabean Games]]. {{Citation needed|date=February 2011}} He attended the [[University of Southern California]], obtaining a [[Masters degree]] in educational administration and went on to become a school teacher.<ref name="omega">{{cite web| last =| first =| authorlink =| coauthors =| title =Faculty Profile| work =| publisher =Omega Institute| date =|url=http://www.eomega.org/omega/faculty/viewProfile/b4e2666110bcf427e5cc53082bf357da/?printable=true| format =| doi =| accessdate = 2008-01-03}}</ref><ref name="jarvik">{{cite web| last =Jarvik| first =Elaine| authorlink =| coauthors =| title =The Zen of Sitting| work =| publisher =Desert Morning News| date =2005-08-26| url =http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,600158906,00.html| doi =| accessdate = 2008-01-03}}</ref> |
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[[File:Taizan Maezumi and Dennis Genpo Merzel.jpg|thumb|[[Taizan Maezumi]] and Dennis Genpo Merzel]] |
[[File:Taizan Maezumi and Dennis Genpo Merzel.jpg|thumb|[[Taizan Maezumi]] and Dennis Genpo Merzel]] |
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[[File:Genpo Roshi 1980.jpg|thumb|Genpo Roshi in 1980]] |
[[File:Genpo Roshi 1980.jpg|thumb|Genpo Roshi in 1980]] |
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===Career as a |
===Career as a Zem Monk=== |
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In 1973 he was ordained as a Zen Buddhist monk in the [[Sōtō]] tradition by [[Taizan Maezumi]]-[[roshi]]. He completed [[koan]] study with Maezumi in 1979, and in 1980 he received [[shiho]] (authorization to teach independently and ordain monks). Starting in 1982 Merzel began traveling to areas of Europe and established an international network of Zen groups. In 1987, he became Abbot of Big Mind Western Zen Center (also known as [[Kanzeon Zen Center]]) in [[Salt Lake City, Utah]]. |
In 1973 he was ordained as a Zen Buddhist monk in the [[Sōtō]] tradition by [[Taizan Maezumi]]-[[roshi]] (Maezumi was authorized in three separate Zen traditions, but ordained monks in the Soto school.) He completed [[koan]] study with Maezumi in 1979, and in 1980 he received [[shiho]] (authorization to teach independently and ordain monks). Starting in 1982 Merzel began traveling to areas of Europe and established an international network of Zen groups. |
||
Merzel married for the first time to Hobai Liu, a violinist.{{When|date=February 2011}} He has two children with her, Tai and Nicole. |
|||
In 1987, he became Abbot of Big Mind Western Zen Center (also known as [[Kanzeon Zen Center]]) in [[Salt Lake City, Utah]]. |
|||
In 1990 Merzel was accused of sexual misconduct by his students at the Kanzeon Zen Center in Bar Harbor Maine, where he was abbot, and asked to leave, which he did.<ref>Grayson, Sarah (Hye Shim Se Nim). “Editorial.” ''One Mind Dharma Gate'' vol. 1, no. 2 (August 1991).</ref><ref>Rowan, Diana. “Open Letter to Friends at San Francisco Zen Center, Green Gulch/Tassajara and Elsewhere.” ''One Mind Dharma Gate'' vol. 1, no. 2 (August 1991).</ref> The center subsequently closed; Merzel and Liu divorced. He continued to be the Abbott of Big Mind. |
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He moved full-time to Salt Lake City in 1993. Merzel married a second time{{When|date=February 2011}} to Stephanie Young (a great-great granddaughter of [[Brigham Young]].) |
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In 1996, Merzel received formal [[inka]], or full authorization to pass on the [[Harada-Yasutani]] lineage of Zen from [[Bernard Glassman]], Maezumi's first [[Dharma]] successor. Merzel served as President of the Maezumi-founded [[White Plum Asanga]] from 1996 to 2007. |
In 1996, Merzel received formal [[inka]], or full authorization to pass on the [[Harada-Yasutani]] lineage of Zen from [[Bernard Glassman]], Maezumi's first [[Dharma]] successor. Merzel served as President of the Maezumi-founded [[White Plum Asanga]] from 1996 to 2007. |
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Merzel gave [[shiho]] to thirteen students: Catherine Genno Pagès (1992), the late John Shodo Flatt (1994), Anton Tenkei Coppens (1996), Malgosia Jiho Braunek (2003), Daniel Doen Silberberg (2003), Nico Sojun Tydeman (2004), Nancy Genshin Gabrysch (2006), Diane Musho Hamilton (2006), Michael Mugaku Zimmerman (2006), Rich Taido Christofferson (2007), Michel Genko Dubois (2007), Tamara Myoho Gabrysch (2008), Maurice Shonen Knegtel (2009), and KC Kyozen Sato Gerpheide (2009). |
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He conferred [[inka]] (full Dharma transmission/authorization) to eight Zen teachers: the late [[John Daido Loori]], Catherine Genno Pages, Anton Tenkei Coppens, Jan Chozen Bays, Charles Tenshin Fletcher, Nicolee Jikyo McMahon, Susan Myoyu Andersen, and Sydney Musai Walters. |
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===The "Big Mind" Process=== |
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Merzel began developing the "Big Mind Process" in 1999. It combines Eastern meditation and Western psychological techniques to transmit the essence of Zen teachings in a way that Merzel claims is potentially more accessible and relevant to Westerners, with the expectation that realizations can be deepened through meditation. |
|||
The Big Mind Process is intended to enable participants to get in touch with various aspects of themselves by identifying and dialoguing from these states of mind. In a guided process, participants voice these aspects, including "ordinary" ones like "the Protector""the Skeptic" and "Desiring Mind", and "transcendent" ones such as the "Non-Seeking/Non-Grasping Mind", "the Way", and "Big Mind and Big Heart". |
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Since 1999, he has offered workshops to more than 20,000 individuals internationally.{{Citation needed|date=February 2011}} Up until 2007, Merzel also continued to be President of White Plum Asanga. |
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Merzel has been heavily criticized by Soto priest and Zen teacher Brad Warner. Warner claims that the Big Mind Process distorts orthodox Zen practice and teachings, and is potentially dangerous.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hardcorezen.blogspot.com/2010/04/big-mind-sucks-part-million.html |title=HARDCORE ZEN: Big Mind™ Sucks (Part A Million) |publisher=Hardcorezen.blogspot.com |date=2010-04-29 |accessdate=2010-09-12}}</ref> |
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In February, 2011, after admitting to sexual misconduct with several students<ref>Wick, Shishin, president, White Plum Asangha, public statement: "This resignation is a result of his recent disclosures regarding sexual misconduct with several of his students." http://www.whiteplum.org/index.html</ref> Merzel disrobed as a Buddhist priest, and announced that he would no longer conduct ordinations or the giving of precepts. He also resigned as an elder of the White Plum Asanga, and as the [[roshi]] of the Big Mind Zen Center. He said, however, that he would continue to teach Big Mind as a "secular practice." The Big Mind Zen Center announced that it would continue its work without Merzel. <ref>http://bigmind.org/Home.html "I have chosen to disrobe as a Buddhist Priest, and will stop giving Buddhist Precepts or Ordinations, but I will continue teaching Big Mind...My actions have caused a tremendous amount of pain, confusion, and controversy for my wife, family, and Sangha, and for this I am truly sorry and greatly regret...I am also resigning as an elder of the White Plum Asanga."</ref><ref>http://www.tricycle.com/blog/genpo-merzel-disrobes</ref> |
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==Bibliography== |
==Bibliography== |
Revision as of 20:46, 12 February 2011
Dennis Genpo Merzel | |
---|---|
Title | Roshi |
Personal | |
Born | 3.6.1944 |
Religion | Zen |
Nationality | American |
School | Harada-Yasutani |
Lineage | White Plum Asanga |
Education | University of Southern California |
Occupation | Roshi Author |
Senior posting | |
Teacher | Taizan Maezumi |
Based in | Kanzeon Zen Center |
Successor | Catherine Genno Pagès (1992) John Shodo Flatt (1994) Anton Tenkei Coppens (1996) Malgosia Jiho Braunek (2003) Daniel Doen Silberberg (2003) Nico Sojun Tydeman (2004) Nancy Genshin Gabrysch (2006) Diane Musho Hamilton (2006) Michael Mugaku Zimmerman (2006) Rich Taido Christofferson (2007) Michel Genko Dubois (2007) Tamara Myoho Gabrysch (2008) Maurice Shonen Knegtel (2009) KC Kyozen Sato (2009) |
Website | www.bigmind.org |
Dennis Genpo Merzel-roshi (born 1944) is a Zen teacher and founder of the Kanzeon International Sangha. He developed the "Big Mind process", a composite of Zen and western psychological techniques. He is the author of five books and several DVDs. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife, Stephanie Young Merzel.
Biography
Dennis Merzel was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Southern California. In high school and college he was an All-American water polo player and champion swimmer. While attending junior college, he was co-captain of a state champion water polo team in 1963.
In 1965 he was on the water polo team that won the gold medal at the Israeli Maccabean Games. He attended the University of Southern California, obtaining a Masters degree in educational administration and went on to become a school teacher.[1][2]
In 1973 he was ordained as a Zen Buddhist monk in the Sōtō tradition by Taizan Maezumi-roshi (Maezumi was authorized in three separate Zen traditions, but ordained monks in the Soto school.) He completed koan study with Maezumi in 1979, and in 1980 he received shiho (authorization to teach independently and ordain monks). Starting in 1982 Merzel began traveling to areas of Europe and established an international network of Zen groups.
Merzel married for the first time to Hobai Liu, a violinist.[when?] He has two children with her, Tai and Nicole.
In 1987, he became Abbot of Big Mind Western Zen Center (formerly known as Kanzeon Zen Center) in Salt Lake City, Utah.
In 1990 Merzel was accused of sexual misconduct by his students at the Kanzeon Zen Center in Bar Harbor Maine, where he was abbot, and asked to leave, which he did.[3][4] The center subsequently closed; Merzel and Liu divorced.
He moved to Salt Lake City in 1993. Merzel married a second time[when?] to Stephanie Young (a great-great granddaughter of Brigham Young.)
In 1996, Merzel received formal inka, or full authorization to pass on the Harada-Yasutani lineage of Zen from Bernard Glassman, Maezumi's first Dharma successor. Merzel served as President of the Maezumi-founded White Plum Asanga from 1996 to 2007.
In February, 2011, due to sexual misconduct with several students[5] and resulting controversy, on his website Merzel apologized and announced that he was disrobing as a Buddhist priest, and would no longer conduct ordinations or the giving of precepts. He also resigned as an elder of the White Plum Asanga. He said that he would continue to teach Big Mind.[6][7]
Before disrobing, Merzel gave shiho to thirteen students: Catherine Genno Pagès (1992), the late John Shodo Flatt (1994), Anton Tenkei Coppens (1996), Malgosia Jiho Braunek (2003), Daniel Doen Silberberg (2003), Nico Sojun Tydeman (2004), Nancy Genshin Gabrysch (2006), Diane Musho Hamilton (2006), Michael Mugaku Zimmerman (2006), Rich Taido Christofferson (2007), Michel Genko Dubois (2007), Tamara Myoho Gabrysch (2008), Maurice Shonen Knegtel (2009), and KC Kyozen Sato Gerpheide (2009).
He conferred inka (full Dharma transmission/authorization) to eight Zen teachers: the late John Daido Loori, Catherine Genno Pages, Anton Tenkei Coppens, Jan Chozen Bays, Charles Tenshin Fletcher, Nicolee Jikyo McMahon, Susan Myoyu Andersen, and Sydney Musai Walters.
"Big Mind"
Merzel began developing the "Big Mind Process" in 1999. It combines Eastern meditation and Western psychological techniques to transmit the essence of Zen teachings in a way that Merzel claims is potentially more accessible and relevant to Westerners, with the expectation that realizations can be deepened through meditation.
The Big Mind Process is intended to enable participants to get in touch with various aspects of themselves by identifying and dialoguing from these states of mind. In a guided process, participants voice these aspects, including "ordinary" ones like "the Protector""the Skeptic" and "Desiring Mind", and "transcendent" ones such as the "Non-Seeking/Non-Grasping Mind", "the Way", and "Big Mind and Big Heart".
Since 1999, he has offered workshops to more than 20,000 individuals internationally.[citation needed] The Big Mind Process is also available on DVDs and online.
Criticism
Merzel has been heavily criticized by Soto priest and Zen teacher Brad Warner. Warner claims that the Big Mind Process distorts orthodox Zen practice and teachings, and is potentially dangerous.[8][9]
Bibliography
- The Eye Never Sleeps: Striking to the Heart of Zen (1991, Shambhala Publications)
- Beyond Sanity and Madness the Way of Zen Master Dogen (1994, Tuttle Publishing)
- 24/7 Dharma: Impermanence, No-Self, Nirvana (2001, Journey Editions)
- The Path of the Human Being: Zen Teachings on the Bodhisattva Way (2005, Shambhala Publications)
- Big Mind, Big Heart: Finding Your Way (2007, Big Mind Publishing)
See also
References
- ^ "Faculty Profile". Omega Institute. Retrieved 2008-01-03.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help) - ^ Jarvik, Elaine (2005-08-26). "The Zen of Sitting". Desert Morning News. Retrieved 2008-01-03.
{{cite web}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help) - ^ Grayson, Sarah (Hye Shim Se Nim). “Editorial.” One Mind Dharma Gate vol. 1, no. 2 (August 1991).
- ^ Rowan, Diana. “Open Letter to Friends at San Francisco Zen Center, Green Gulch/Tassajara and Elsewhere.” One Mind Dharma Gate vol. 1, no. 2 (August 1991).
- ^ Wick, Shishin, president, White Plum Asangha, public statement: "This resignation is a result of his recent disclosures regarding sexual misconduct with several of his students." http://www.whiteplum.org/index.html
- ^ http://bigmind.org/Home.html "I have chosen to disrobe as a Buddhist Priest, and will stop giving Buddhist Precepts or Ordinations, but I will continue teaching Big Mind...My actions have caused a tremendous amount of pain, confusion, and controversy for my wife, family, and Sangha, and for this I am truly sorry and greatly regret...I am also resigning as an elder of the White Plum Asanga."
- ^ http://www.tricycle.com/blog/genpo-merzel-disrobes
- ^ "HARDCORE ZEN: Big Mind™ Sucks (Part A Million)". Hardcorezen.blogspot.com. 2010-04-29. Retrieved 2010-09-12.
- ^ http://www.elephantjournal.com/2011/02/disrobing-genpo--brad-warner/
External links
Template:Buddhism2 Template:ModernDharmicWriters
Dennis Genpo Merzel | |
---|---|
Title | Roshi |
Personal | |
Born | 3.6.1944 |
Religion | Zen |
Nationality | American |
School | Harada-Yasutani |
Lineage | White Plum Asanga |
Education | University of Southern California |
Occupation | Roshi Author |
Senior posting | |
Teacher | Taizan Maezumi |
Based in | Kanzeon Zen Center |
Successor | Catherine Genno Pagès (1992) John Shodo Flatt (1994) Anton Tenkei Coppens (1996) Malgosia Jiho Braunek (2003) Daniel Doen Silberberg (2003) Nico Sojun Tydeman (2004) Nancy Genshin Gabrysch (2006) Diane Musho Hamilton (2006) Michael Mugaku Zimmerman (2006) Rich Taido Christofferson (2007) Michel Genko Dubois (2007) Tamara Myoho Gabrysch (2008) Maurice Shonen Knegtel (2009) KC Kyozen Sato (2009) |
Website | www.bigmind.org |
Dennis Genpo Merzel-roshi (born 1944) is a Zen teacher and founder of the Kanzeon International Sangha. He developed the "Big Mind process", a composite of Zen and western psychological techniques. He is the author of five books and several DVDs. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife, Stephanie Young Merzel.
Biography
Early Life and Education
Dennis Merzel was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Southern California. In high school and college he was an All-American water polo player and champion swimmer. He won a gold medal in water polo at the 1965 Israeli Maccabean Games. [citation needed] He attended the University of Southern California, obtaining a Masters degree in educational administration and went on to become a school teacher.[1][2]
Career as a Zem Monk
In 1973 he was ordained as a Zen Buddhist monk in the Sōtō tradition by Taizan Maezumi-roshi (Maezumi was authorized in three separate Zen traditions, but ordained monks in the Soto school.) He completed koan study with Maezumi in 1979, and in 1980 he received shiho (authorization to teach independently and ordain monks). Starting in 1982 Merzel began traveling to areas of Europe and established an international network of Zen groups.
Merzel married for the first time to Hobai Liu, a violinist.[when?] He has two children with her, Tai and Nicole.
In 1987, he became Abbot of Big Mind Western Zen Center (also known as Kanzeon Zen Center) in Salt Lake City, Utah.
In 1990 Merzel was accused of sexual misconduct by his students at the Kanzeon Zen Center in Bar Harbor Maine, where he was abbot, and asked to leave, which he did.[3][4] The center subsequently closed; Merzel and Liu divorced. He continued to be the Abbott of Big Mind.
He moved full-time to Salt Lake City in 1993. Merzel married a second time[when?] to Stephanie Young (a great-great granddaughter of Brigham Young.)
In 1996, Merzel received formal inka, or full authorization to pass on the Harada-Yasutani lineage of Zen from Bernard Glassman, Maezumi's first Dharma successor. Merzel served as President of the Maezumi-founded White Plum Asanga from 1996 to 2007.
Merzel gave shiho to thirteen students: Catherine Genno Pagès (1992), the late John Shodo Flatt (1994), Anton Tenkei Coppens (1996), Malgosia Jiho Braunek (2003), Daniel Doen Silberberg (2003), Nico Sojun Tydeman (2004), Nancy Genshin Gabrysch (2006), Diane Musho Hamilton (2006), Michael Mugaku Zimmerman (2006), Rich Taido Christofferson (2007), Michel Genko Dubois (2007), Tamara Myoho Gabrysch (2008), Maurice Shonen Knegtel (2009), and KC Kyozen Sato Gerpheide (2009).
He conferred inka (full Dharma transmission/authorization) to eight Zen teachers: the late John Daido Loori, Catherine Genno Pages, Anton Tenkei Coppens, Jan Chozen Bays, Charles Tenshin Fletcher, Nicolee Jikyo McMahon, Susan Myoyu Andersen, and Sydney Musai Walters.
The "Big Mind" Process
Merzel began developing the "Big Mind Process" in 1999. It combines Eastern meditation and Western psychological techniques to transmit the essence of Zen teachings in a way that Merzel claims is potentially more accessible and relevant to Westerners, with the expectation that realizations can be deepened through meditation.
The Big Mind Process is intended to enable participants to get in touch with various aspects of themselves by identifying and dialoguing from these states of mind. In a guided process, participants voice these aspects, including "ordinary" ones like "the Protector""the Skeptic" and "Desiring Mind", and "transcendent" ones such as the "Non-Seeking/Non-Grasping Mind", "the Way", and "Big Mind and Big Heart".
Since 1999, he has offered workshops to more than 20,000 individuals internationally.[citation needed] Up until 2007, Merzel also continued to be President of White Plum Asanga.
Merzel has been heavily criticized by Soto priest and Zen teacher Brad Warner. Warner claims that the Big Mind Process distorts orthodox Zen practice and teachings, and is potentially dangerous.[5]
In February, 2011, after admitting to sexual misconduct with several students[6] Merzel disrobed as a Buddhist priest, and announced that he would no longer conduct ordinations or the giving of precepts. He also resigned as an elder of the White Plum Asanga, and as the roshi of the Big Mind Zen Center. He said, however, that he would continue to teach Big Mind as a "secular practice." The Big Mind Zen Center announced that it would continue its work without Merzel. [7][8]
Bibliography
- The Eye Never Sleeps: Striking to the Heart of Zen (1991, Shambhala Publications)
- Beyond Sanity and Madness the Way of Zen Master Dogen (1994, Tuttle Publishing)
- 24/7 Dharma: Impermanence, No-Self, Nirvana (2001, Journey Editions)
- The Path of the Human Being: Zen Teachings on the Bodhisattva Way (2005, Shambhala Publications)
- Big Mind, Big Heart: Finding Your Way (2007, Big Mind Publishing)
See also
References
- ^ "Faculty Profile". Omega Institute. Retrieved 2008-01-03.
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(help) - ^ Jarvik, Elaine (2005-08-26). "The Zen of Sitting". Desert Morning News. Retrieved 2008-01-03.
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(help) - ^ Grayson, Sarah (Hye Shim Se Nim). “Editorial.” One Mind Dharma Gate vol. 1, no. 2 (August 1991).
- ^ Rowan, Diana. “Open Letter to Friends at San Francisco Zen Center, Green Gulch/Tassajara and Elsewhere.” One Mind Dharma Gate vol. 1, no. 2 (August 1991).
- ^ "HARDCORE ZEN: Big Mind™ Sucks (Part A Million)". Hardcorezen.blogspot.com. 2010-04-29. Retrieved 2010-09-12.
- ^ Wick, Shishin, president, White Plum Asangha, public statement: "This resignation is a result of his recent disclosures regarding sexual misconduct with several of his students." http://www.whiteplum.org/index.html
- ^ http://bigmind.org/Home.html "I have chosen to disrobe as a Buddhist Priest, and will stop giving Buddhist Precepts or Ordinations, but I will continue teaching Big Mind...My actions have caused a tremendous amount of pain, confusion, and controversy for my wife, family, and Sangha, and for this I am truly sorry and greatly regret...I am also resigning as an elder of the White Plum Asanga."
- ^ http://www.tricycle.com/blog/genpo-merzel-disrobes