Julian Daizan Skinner is the first Englishman to go to Japan and become a Roshi or Zen Master in the rigorous Rinzai tradition of Zen. Eighteen years ago, he gave up a promising career as a scientist in the pharmaceuticals industry, sold his house, gave all the money away and entered a Zen monastery. Over many years of strict training, in Japan and the west, Daizan Roshi recieved Dharma Transmission in both the Rinzai and Soto lineages of Zen. In addition he was given permission to teach shakuhachi (zen flute) in the Kinko School. His long residence in Zen monasteries opened many doors to inner secrets of Zen practice and experience.

A powerfully motivational personality, Daizan Roshi sees his mission as that of making the wonderful teachings he has received available in an experiential, non-dogmatic way. His teachings integrate health and well-being with the bliss and insight that come from unfolding spiritual development. His Zen teaching emphasises satori and kensho, the Zen experience of enlightenment. Daizan Roshi teaches in a way suitable for people engaged with the modern world who are seeking a new level of success in their lives. With individual transformation comes inevitable positive change within society.

Daizan Roshi has also studied Zen Yoga , qi gong (Japanese, ki ko) andthe secrets of inner alchemy in the Zen tradition, as well as with teachers in the broader Indian, Chinese and Japanese traditions. He teaches yoga internationally and trains other teachers through The Zenways Yoga School.

Drawing on teachings of the Zen Masters, along with teachings he received in the Shinto, Taoist and wider Buddhist traditions, Daizan Roshi opened up a Zen healing practice. He practices and teaches two styles of healing – hands-on and hands-free.

A published poet, Daizan Roshi has recently completed a volume of translations of the famous Japanese seventeenth-century travelling monk and sculptor, Enku.

Daizan Roshi is resident in London UK. Check the calendar of events for opportunities to carry out group study with him, or email zenways@london.com for individual study requests.