Dennis Merzel

Dennis Merzel
Born	June 3, 1944 Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Nationality	American
Education	University of Southern California
Occupation	Author
Religion	Zen

Dennis Merzel is an American Zen and spirituality teacher, also known as Genpo Merzel Roshi. He was a student and is heir of the Japanese-born Zen teacher Taizan Maezumi.^{[1][2] [3]} Merzel obtained a Master's degree in educational administration from the University of Southern California and went on to become a school teacher.^[1][4] He is the founder^[5] and former Abbot of Kanzeon Zen Center,^[6] and developed the Big Mind Process, which combines "Eastern, Buddhist insights with Western psychoanalytical ideas."^[7] Merzel has organized Big Mind retreats and events nationally and internationally, such as an annual event in the Netherlands that has attracted hundreds of participants.^[7]

In February 2011, after admitting to three extra-marital sexual affairs, including with a senior student, Merzel said he would disrobe as a Buddhist priest, resign as an elder of the White Plum Asanga, step down as Abbot of Kanzeon, and stop teaching for an indefinite period of time to seek counseling.^[8][9][10] 44 American Buddhist teachers then wrote a letter suggesting a course of action for Merzel, including a minimum one-year leave of absence and therapy.^[11] By April, Merzel had reversed his position, saying that too many students and his organizations depended on him financially and spiritually.^[12]

66 American Buddhist teachers responded with a forceful public letter to Merzel requesting that he follow through with his stated intention to stop teaching for some time, considering his "habitual abuses of power". Merzel countered that this letter was itself worse than his behavior, and continued to lead retreats.^[13] He and his wife are divorcing.^[14]

Publications

• 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)^[15]

See also

• Timeline of Zen Buddhism in the United States

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "Faculty Profile". Omega Institute. http://www.eomega.org/omega/faculty/viewProfile/b4e2666110bcf427e5cc53082bf357da/?printable=true. Retrieved January 3, 2008. 
2. ^ "Sitting judge: Retired Utah chief justice finds his way as a Buddhist monk". Deseret News. 24 April 2004. 
3. ^ "Sensei Coppens: het grootste geschenk is de onbevreesdheid". Trouw. January 11, 1997. http://www.trouw.nl/krantenarchief/1997/01/11/2517857/Sensei_Coppens__het_grootste_geschenk_is_de_onbevreesdheid.html. Retrieved February 12, 2011. ^{[dead link]}
4. ^ Jarvik, Elaine (August 26, 2005). "The Zen of Sitting". Desert Morning News. http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,600158906,00.html. Retrieved January 3, 2008. 
5. ^ Bloom, Anna (1 May 2007). "How to bring Zen to the grocery store". Park Record. 
6. ^ Warburton, Nicole (3 January 2009). "New year, New mind - Zen master helps others find enlightenment". Deseret News. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705274717/New-year-New-mind---Zen-master-helps-others-find-enlightenment.html. Retrieved 18 February 2011. 
7. ^ ^{a b} Limpt, Cokky van (22 January 2010). "Verlichting voor westerse geesten". Trouw. http://www.trouw.nl/tr/nl/4324/Nieuws/article/detail/1084254/2010/01/22/Verlichting-voor-westerse-geesten.dhtml. Retrieved 3 April 2011. 
8. ^ Ryan, Philip (7 February 2011). "Genpo Merzel disrobes". Tricycle: The Buddhist Review. http://www.tricycle.com/blog/genpo-merzel-disrobes. Retrieved 18 February 2011. 
9. ^ Limpt, Cokky van (23 March 2011). "Pleegde de zenmeester overspel of was het misbruik?". Trouw. 
10. ^ http://www.shambhalasun.com/news/?p=18782
11. ^ http://www.shambhalasun.com/news/?p=19005
12. ^ http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/51768224-78/merzel-zen-kanzeon-mind.html.csp?page=2
13. ^ http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/51768224-78/merzel-zen-kanzeon-mind.html.csp?page=2
14. ^ http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/51768224-78/merzel-zen-kanzeon-mind.html.csp?page=2
15. ^ Hamill, Dennis (September 1, 2008). "Peace of mind in Zen master Gerpo Merzel's 'Big Mind'". Daily News (New York). http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2008/09/01/2008-09-01_peace_of_mind_in_zen_master_gerpo_merzel.html. Retrieved February 12, 2011. 

External links

• Big Mind Western Zen Center

Taizan Maezumi and Merzel

Persondata
Name	Merzel, Dennis
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	June 3, 1944
Place of birth	Brooklyn, New York, USA
Date of death
Place of death