Rev. Daiken Nelson, Roshi

Rev. Daiken Nelson, Roshi began Zen Practice 36 years ago, at the Iowa City Zen Center in Iowa where he was born.

Since that time, he has practiced with several Teachers within the White Plum Zen Lineage of Taizan Maezumi Roshi & Zen Peacemaker Order of Roshi Bernie Glassman.

In October 2013, Daiken received Shiho (Dharma Transmission/Authorization To Teach) from Roshi Francisco "Paco" Genkoji Lugoviña, a Successor to Roshi Bernie Glassman.

In November 2021, Daiken received Inka from Roshi Paco, the final authorization in one's Zen Training, by which one becomes a Roshi (Japanese: "old/venerable Teacher"; "old/venerable Master").

Roshi Daiken is the Founder & Guiding Teacher of the Pamsula Zen Center in W. Harlem, NYC.

PZC has 2 Affiliate Centers: the Youngstown Zen Center in Youngstown, OH, and the Pamsula Zen Westchester Sitting Group in White Plains, NY.
Since 2010, Daiken has been a Visiting Teacher at White Plains Zen in White Plains, NY.
Since October, 2023, Daiken has served as the Interim Guiding Teacher at the Iowa City Zen Center in Iowa City, IA.

Prior to focusing on Zen, Daiken was a Social Worker; working with unhoused individuals plus those with chronic Mental Illness & Substance Abuse issues.

Currently, Daiken is Founder of The Mandala Café, a Nonprofit which provides Culinary Training to those needing job training & placement due to challenges to finding and keeping a job; a Catering business offering part-time employment and Training for individuals in those groups plus a weekly Community meal in Central Harlem for anyone. Link Here for More Information

In addition to Zen, Roshi Daiken is a Reiki Master, Yoga Instructor, Photographer & Artist.