ZC Teachers and Leaders
The teachers and leaders of Zen Center of Los Angeles supporting the practice life of the Sangha through teaching, training, stewardship, and service.
Sensei Jitsujo T. Gauthier
Sensei Jitsujo T. Gauthier is a Zen priest and preceptor at the Zen Center of Los Angeles, as well as a member of the Zen Peacemakers International. She received Dharma Transmission (denbo) from Roshi Egyoku in 2024. She is also an Assistant Professor and current Chair of the Buddhist Chaplaincy department at University of the […]
Sensei Jitsujo T. Gauthier
Sensei Jitsujo T. Gauthier is a Zen priest and preceptor at the Zen Center of Los Angeles, as well as a member of the Zen Peacemakers International. She received Dharma Transmission (denbo) from Roshi Egyoku in 2024. She is also an Assistant Professor and current Chair of the Buddhist Chaplaincy department at University of the […]
Sensei George Mukei Horner
Sensei George Mukei Horner is a preceptor and Dharma Holder at the Zen Center of Los Angeles, where he has been a member since 1984. He received Dharma Transmission (Denbo) from Roshi Egyoku in 2022. He is also the Zendo Steward, overseeing the training of service positions for the meditation hall, and an instructor for […]
Sensei George Mukei Horner
Sensei George Mukei Horner is a preceptor and Dharma Holder at the Zen Center of Los Angeles, where he has been a member since 1984. He received Dharma Transmission (Denbo) from Roshi Egyoku in 2022. He is also the Zendo Steward, overseeing the training of service positions for the meditation hall, and an instructor for […]
Sensei Tom Dharma-Joy Reichert
Sensei Tom Baiten Dharma-Joy Reichert received the Temple Seal and was installed as ZCLA’s Fifth Abbot on May 21, 2023. He is also currently the Head Priest/Preceptor of ZCLA. Dharma-Joy grew up in New Rochelle, New York to a Roman Catholic family. During college at Georgetown, he spent a year in the Middle East and, […]
The Hidden Lamp Study Group, Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (Fulltime), Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (Part-Time), Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (Zoom), Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (ALL), Rohatsu Sesshin 2026 (Fulltime), Rohatsu Sesshin 2026 (Part-Time), Rohatsu Sesshin 2026 (Zoom), Year-End 2026 (Part-Time), Year-End 2026 (Zoom), Zazenkai (Fulltime), Zazenkai (Part-time), Zazenkai (Zoom),
Sensei Tom Dharma-Joy Reichert
Sensei Tom Baiten Dharma-Joy Reichert received the Temple Seal and was installed as ZCLA’s Fifth Abbot on May 21, 2023. He is also currently the Head Priest/Preceptor of ZCLA. Dharma-Joy grew up in New Rochelle, New York to a Roman Catholic family. During college at Georgetown, he spent a year in the Middle East and, […]
The Hidden Lamp Study Group, Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (Fulltime), Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (Part-Time), Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (Zoom), Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (ALL), Rohatsu Sesshin 2026 (Fulltime), Rohatsu Sesshin 2026 (Part-Time), Rohatsu Sesshin 2026 (Zoom), Year-End 2026 (Part-Time), Year-End 2026 (Zoom), Zazenkai (Fulltime), Zazenkai (Part-time), Zazenkai (Zoom),
Sensei Tom Dharma-Joy Reichert
Sensei Tom Baiten Dharma-Joy Reichert received the Temple Seal and was installed as ZCLA’s Fifth Abbot on May 21, 2023. He is also currently the Head Priest/Preceptor of ZCLA. Dharma-Joy grew up in New Rochelle, New York to a Roman Catholic family. During college at Georgetown, he spent a year in the Middle East and, […]
The Hidden Lamp Study Group, Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (Fulltime), Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (Part-Time), Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (Zoom), Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (ALL), Rohatsu Sesshin 2026 (Fulltime), Rohatsu Sesshin 2026 (Part-Time), Rohatsu Sesshin 2026 (Zoom), Year-End 2026 (Part-Time), Year-End 2026 (Zoom), Zazenkai (Fulltime), Zazenkai (Part-time), Zazenkai (Zoom),
Sensei Katherine Senshin Griffith
Sensei Katherine Senshin Griffith started studying Zen in the Rinzai tradition at New York Zendo Shobo-Ji in Manhattan in 1987. At Dai Bosatsu Zendo, she received Jukai in 1994 from Eido Shimano Roshi, with whom she studied until 2000 when she moved to Los Angeles. She became a member of ZCLA in 2001 and began […]
The Hidden Lamp Study Group, Rohatsu Sesshin 2026 (Fulltime), Rohatsu Sesshin 2026 (Part-Time), Rohatsu Sesshin 2026 (Zoom), Year-End 2026 (Part-Time), Year-End 2026 (Zoom),
Sensei Katherine Senshin Griffith
Sensei Katherine Senshin Griffith started studying Zen in the Rinzai tradition at New York Zendo Shobo-Ji in Manhattan in 1987. At Dai Bosatsu Zendo, she received Jukai in 1994 from Eido Shimano Roshi, with whom she studied until 2000 when she moved to Los Angeles. She became a member of ZCLA in 2001 and began […]
The Hidden Lamp Study Group, Rohatsu Sesshin 2026 (Fulltime), Rohatsu Sesshin 2026 (Part-Time), Rohatsu Sesshin 2026 (Zoom), Year-End 2026 (Part-Time), Year-End 2026 (Zoom),
Sensei Katherine Senshin Griffith
Sensei Katherine Senshin Griffith started studying Zen in the Rinzai tradition at New York Zendo Shobo-Ji in Manhattan in 1987. At Dai Bosatsu Zendo, she received Jukai in 1994 from Eido Shimano Roshi, with whom she studied until 2000 when she moved to Los Angeles. She became a member of ZCLA in 2001 and began […]
The Hidden Lamp Study Group, Rohatsu Sesshin 2026 (Fulltime), Rohatsu Sesshin 2026 (Part-Time), Rohatsu Sesshin 2026 (Zoom), Year-End 2026 (Part-Time), Year-End 2026 (Zoom),
Reverend Jonathan Kaigen Levy
Sensei Jonathan Kaigen Levy is a ZCLA priest, Dharma-Holder and transmitted Preceptor. He received Dharma Transmission (Denbo) from Roshi Egyoku in 2022. For many years he was Co-Steward of the ZCLA Tenzo Circle, which oversaw the preparation of Sangha meals, he was Co-Steward of the Introduction to Meditation classes, the 2018-2019 Shuso (Head Trainee), and is […]
Reverend Jonathan Kaigen Levy
Sensei Jonathan Kaigen Levy is a ZCLA priest, Dharma-Holder and transmitted Preceptor. He received Dharma Transmission (Denbo) from Roshi Egyoku in 2022. For many years he was Co-Steward of the ZCLA Tenzo Circle, which oversaw the preparation of Sangha meals, he was Co-Steward of the Introduction to Meditation classes, the 2018-2019 Shuso (Head Trainee), and is […]
Reverend Jonathan Kaigen Levy
Sensei Jonathan Kaigen Levy is a ZCLA priest, Dharma-Holder and transmitted Preceptor. He received Dharma Transmission (Denbo) from Roshi Egyoku in 2022. For many years he was Co-Steward of the ZCLA Tenzo Circle, which oversaw the preparation of Sangha meals, he was Co-Steward of the Introduction to Meditation classes, the 2018-2019 Shuso (Head Trainee), and is […]
Dharma-Holder Bill Earth-Mirror Corcoran
Bill Earth-Mirror Corcoran has practiced at the Zen Center of Los Angeles since 1997. He is a Preceptor and President of the ZCLA Board. In 2025, Sensei Senshin named him a Dharma-Holder. He advises climate-focused advocacy organizations and funders. His interests include exploring the eco-sattva path, Indigenous allyship, backpacking, and writing. He lives in Van […]
Investigating Your Life: Working with the 16 Bodhisattva Precepts,
Dharma-Holder Bill Earth-Mirror Corcoran
Bill Earth-Mirror Corcoran has practiced at the Zen Center of Los Angeles since 1997. He is a Preceptor and President of the ZCLA Board. In 2025, Sensei Senshin named him a Dharma-Holder. He advises climate-focused advocacy organizations and funders. His interests include exploring the eco-sattva path, Indigenous allyship, backpacking, and writing. He lives in Van […]
Investigating Your Life: Working with the 16 Bodhisattva Precepts,
Dharma-Holder Bill Earth-Mirror Corcoran
Bill Earth-Mirror Corcoran has practiced at the Zen Center of Los Angeles since 1997. He is a Preceptor and President of the ZCLA Board. In 2025, Sensei Senshin named him a Dharma-Holder. He advises climate-focused advocacy organizations and funders. His interests include exploring the eco-sattva path, Indigenous allyship, backpacking, and writing. He lives in Van […]
Investigating Your Life: Working with the 16 Bodhisattva Precepts,
Dharma-Holder Bill Earth-Mirror Corcoran
Bill Earth-Mirror Corcoran has practiced at the Zen Center of Los Angeles since 1997. He is a Preceptor and President of the ZCLA Board. In 2025, Sensei Senshin named him a Dharma-Holder. He advises climate-focused advocacy organizations and funders. His interests include exploring the eco-sattva path, Indigenous allyship, backpacking, and writing. He lives in Van […]
Investigating Your Life: Working with the 16 Bodhisattva Precepts,
Sensei Darla Myoho Fjeld
Sensei Darla Myoho Fjeld is a Zen Buddhist priest and Temple Development Steward at the Zen Center of Los Angeles. She began her practice at the Zen Studies Society in New York in 1996 and in 1997 began practicing at the Fire Lotus Zendo in New York. While in New York she was a political […]
Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (Fulltime), Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (Part-Time), Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (Zoom), Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (ALL),
Sensei Darla Myoho Fjeld
Sensei Darla Myoho Fjeld is a Zen Buddhist priest and Temple Development Steward at the Zen Center of Los Angeles. She began her practice at the Zen Studies Society in New York in 1996 and in 1997 began practicing at the Fire Lotus Zendo in New York. While in New York she was a political […]
Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (Fulltime), Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (Part-Time), Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (Zoom), Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (ALL),
Sensei Darla Myoho Fjeld
Sensei Darla Myoho Fjeld is a Zen Buddhist priest and Temple Development Steward at the Zen Center of Los Angeles. She began her practice at the Zen Studies Society in New York in 1996 and in 1997 began practicing at the Fire Lotus Zendo in New York. While in New York she was a political […]
Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (Fulltime), Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (Part-Time), Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (Zoom), Autumn Wind Sesshin 2026 (ALL),
Sensei Lorraine Gessho Kumpf
Sensei Lorraine Gessho Kumpf is a Preceptor and ZCLA member since 1978. She was empowered as a Dharma-Holder by Roshi Kipp Ryodo Hawley in 2022 and received Dharma Transmission from him in 2025. As Senior Resident, her role is to promote the Residential Training Program and encourage community practice. She has been active in the […]
Sensei Lorraine Gessho Kumpf
Sensei Lorraine Gessho Kumpf is a Preceptor and ZCLA member since 1978. She was empowered as a Dharma-Holder by Roshi Kipp Ryodo Hawley in 2022 and received Dharma Transmission from him in 2025. As Senior Resident, her role is to promote the Residential Training Program and encourage community practice. She has been active in the […]
Sensei Lorraine Gessho Kumpf
Sensei Lorraine Gessho Kumpf is a Preceptor and ZCLA member since 1978. She was empowered as a Dharma-Holder by Roshi Kipp Ryodo Hawley in 2022 and received Dharma Transmission from him in 2025. As Senior Resident, her role is to promote the Residential Training Program and encourage community practice. She has been active in the […]
Sensei Nem Etsugen Bajra
Sensei Nem Etsugen Bajra has been a member of ZCLA since 2007. He completed training as Head Trainee under the guidance of Roshi Egyoku in 2021. He was designated as Dharma Holder by Roshi Ryodo in 2022 and received Dharma Transmission in 2025. He served as a Co-Steward of the ZCLA Tenzo Circle for four years. […]
Sensei Nem Etsugen Bajra
Sensei Nem Etsugen Bajra has been a member of ZCLA since 2007. He completed training as Head Trainee under the guidance of Roshi Egyoku in 2021. He was designated as Dharma Holder by Roshi Ryodo in 2022 and received Dharma Transmission in 2025. He served as a Co-Steward of the ZCLA Tenzo Circle for four years. […]
Sensei Nem Etsugen Bajra
Sensei Nem Etsugen Bajra has been a member of ZCLA since 2007. He completed training as Head Trainee under the guidance of Roshi Egyoku in 2021. He was designated as Dharma Holder by Roshi Ryodo in 2022 and received Dharma Transmission in 2025. He served as a Co-Steward of the ZCLA Tenzo Circle for four years. […]
Sensei Nem Etsugen Bajra
Sensei Nem Etsugen Bajra has been a member of ZCLA since 2007. He completed training as Head Trainee under the guidance of Roshi Egyoku in 2021. He was designated as Dharma Holder by Roshi Ryodo in 2022 and received Dharma Transmission in 2025. He served as a Co-Steward of the ZCLA Tenzo Circle for four years. […]
Roshi Kipp Ryodo Hawley
Roshi Ryodo entered formal studies at the Zen Center of Los Angeles in 1980, working directly with Charlotte Joko Beck and Genpo Merzel Roshi as well as Taizan Maezumi Roshi, the founding Abbot of ZCLA. He received Dharma Transmission from Roshi Egyoku Nakao, in 2007, empowerment as lay preceptor in 2015, and inka shomei in 2019. […]
Roshi Kipp Ryodo Hawley
Roshi Ryodo entered formal studies at the Zen Center of Los Angeles in 1980, working directly with Charlotte Joko Beck and Genpo Merzel Roshi as well as Taizan Maezumi Roshi, the founding Abbot of ZCLA. He received Dharma Transmission from Roshi Egyoku Nakao, in 2007, empowerment as lay preceptor in 2015, and inka shomei in 2019. […]
Rōshi Mark Kizan Shōgen Angyo Bloodgood
Raised in the Episcopal Church, Rōshi Shōgen aspired to become an Episcopal priest in his youth. But in the late 1960s and early '70s, a “subtle feeling” nudged him toward the spiritual teachings of the East. This quiet shift began with Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha, and deepened through the writings of Shunryū Suzuki, Philip Kapleau, Huston […]
Rōshi Mark Kizan Shōgen Angyo Bloodgood
Raised in the Episcopal Church, Rōshi Shōgen aspired to become an Episcopal priest in his youth. But in the late 1960s and early '70s, a “subtle feeling” nudged him toward the spiritual teachings of the East. This quiet shift began with Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha, and deepened through the writings of Shunryū Suzuki, Philip Kapleau, Huston […]
Rōshi Mark Kizan Shōgen Angyo Bloodgood
Raised in the Episcopal Church, Rōshi Shōgen aspired to become an Episcopal priest in his youth. But in the late 1960s and early '70s, a “subtle feeling” nudged him toward the spiritual teachings of the East. This quiet shift began with Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha, and deepened through the writings of Shunryū Suzuki, Philip Kapleau, Huston […]
Rōshi Mark Kizan Shōgen Angyo Bloodgood
Raised in the Episcopal Church, Rōshi Shōgen aspired to become an Episcopal priest in his youth. But in the late 1960s and early '70s, a “subtle feeling” nudged him toward the spiritual teachings of the East. This quiet shift began with Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha, and deepened through the writings of Shunryū Suzuki, Philip Kapleau, Huston […]
Teachers and Preceptors
Our Teachers and Preceptors share responsibilities for certain classes and sometimes make last minute switches for who will be leading what. When in doubt, check our calendar page for the most up-to-date information.
Preceptor Peggy Faith-Moon Gallaher
Peggy Faith-Moon Gallaher is a preceptor in the White Plum lineage. She is interested in ways Zen Buddhism is being transmitted in the digital age, and how our training can help us be responsive to the unique challenges of the "attention economy."
Investigating Your Life: Working with the 16 Bodhisattva Precepts,
Preceptor Peggy Faith-Moon Gallaher
Peggy Faith-Moon Gallaher is a preceptor in the White Plum lineage. She is interested in ways Zen Buddhism is being transmitted in the digital age, and how our training can help us be responsive to the unique challenges of the "attention economy."
Investigating Your Life: Working with the 16 Bodhisattva Precepts,