Senior Dharma Teacher and Lifelong Practitioner of Zen
Jerry is a seasoned Zen practitioner and dedicated Senior Dharma Teacher who has been immersed in the Kwan Um School of Zen for over 40 years. His journey with Zen meditation began in his youth and has evolved into a lifelong dedication to the practice. With more than two decades as a Senior Dharma Teacher, Jerry shares his insights with a compassionate and inclusive approach, bridging traditional Zen principles with an open-minded perspective that resonates with students from all walks of life.
Originally trained as a sociologist, Jerry brings a unique lens to his teachings, often weaving in insights from social science to illuminate the interconnectedness of human experience and the importance of community. His academic background allows him to approach Zen with intellectual curiosity and analytical depth, which he believes are compatible with the simplicity and directness of Zen practice. This combination of personal experience and academic insight makes his teachings accessible and relevant to modern practitioners.
An avid runner and trainer, Jerry approaches Zen with the same discipline that has guided his life in physical training. He sees the practice of Zen as a marathon rather than a sprint—something that requires consistent, daily commitment rather than occasional bursts of effort. This physical discipline reinforces his daily meditation practice and provides him with the resilience and focus needed to guide others on their own spiritual journeys. His students often describe his presence as grounded and steady, qualities he credits to years of honing both his body and mind through dedicated practice.
Jerry’s heart-centered work extends beyond the Zen center. For over a decade, he dedicated himself to working with disadvantaged youth, helping them achieve their GEDs and mentoring them through challenging times. His work with these young people reflects his deep compassion and belief in the potential for growth and transformation in everyone. Jerry sees Zen not just as a personal path, but as a way to engage with the world and support others in finding their own strength and purpose.
While Jerry’s practice is rooted in the Kwan Um School, his perspective is expansive and inclusive. He has spent years studying various Buddhist traditions and incorporating Taoist philosophy, which he sees as complementary to Zen’s teachings. This broad approach allows him to adapt his teachings to meet the needs of his students, drawing on a variety of traditions and philosophies to offer guidance that is both timeless and adaptable to modern life.
Through his years of practice, service, and teaching, Jerry continues to embody the principles of Zen, offering his wisdom with humility, warmth, and a genuine desire to help others on their journey toward inner peace and understanding.
