Appreciate your life...

Venerable Hakuyu Taizan Maezumi Roshi, who had a significant influence on the growth of Zen Buddhism in the United States, was ordained as a Soto Zen monk at the age of eleven. He received degrees in Oriental literature and philosophy from Komazawa University and studied at Sojiji, one of the two most important Soto monasteries in Japan. In 1955, he received the Dharma transmission from Hakujun Kuroda Roshi. He also received recognition as a teacher (Inka) from both Koryu Osaka Roshi and Hakuun Yasutani Roshi.

In 1956, Maezumi Roshi came to Los Angeles as a priest at Zenshuji Temple, the Soto headquarters in the United States. He dedicated his life to creating a solid foundation for the growth of Zen Buddhism in the West. In 1967 he founded the Zen Center of Los Angeles. Maezumi Roshis Dharma heirs and later successors and communities operate within the White Plum Zen school called Asangha.

Maezumi Roshi, one of the leading protagonists of Zen in the West, is the „grandfather“ of our Zen lineage in Germany. This film recalls his work in the environment of his family, students and successors.