Dennis Paul Merzel was born on June 3,1944 in Brooklyn, New York and was raised and schooled in Long Beach, California.
18 Facts About Dennis Merzel
2.
Dennis Merzel's family was Jewish, but he was raised as an agnostic by his father and as an atheist by his mother.
3.
Dennis Merzel was a champion swimmer and an all-American water polo player.
4.
Dennis Merzel was a lifeguard and began teaching public school while obtaining a master's degree in educational administration from the University of Southern California.
5.
Dennis Merzel was ordained as an unsui, or novice priest, in 1973.
6.
In 1980, a year after completing formal Koan study, Dennis Merzel received dharma transmission, becoming Maezumi's second Dharma successor.
7.
In 1981 Dennis Merzel underwent zuise in Japan, and in 1988 he was officially installed as abbot of Hosshinji Zen temple in Bar Harbor, Maine.
8.
In 1995 Dennis Merzel received the title of Dendo-kyoshi Kenshuso, a now defunct category officially recognizing Western Zen priests by the Soto School Headquarters in Japan.
9.
In 1996 Dennis Merzel received Inka from Bernie Glassman, after Maezumi's death in 1995.
10.
Dennis Merzel is the founder and former Abbot of Kanzeon Zen Center.
11.
In 1988 Dennis Merzel was installed as abbot at Hosshinji, a Zen temple in Bar Harbor, Maine.
12.
Dennis Merzel was alleged to have had a romantic relationship with a student, leading to the dissolution of the temple.
13.
In February 2011, after admitting to three extra-marital affairs, Dennis Merzel said he would disrobe as a Buddhist priest, resign as an elder of the White Plum Asanga, step down as Abbot of Kanzeon, and stop teaching for an indefinite period to seek counseling.
14.
Forty-four American Buddhist teachers wrote a letter suggesting that Dennis Merzel take a minimum one-year break from teaching and seek therapy.
15.
Sixty-six American Buddhist teachers responded with a public letter to Dennis Merzel requesting that he follow through with his stated intention to stop teaching for some time.
16.
Dennis Merzel continues to serve as president and abbot of Kanzeon Zen Center, now called Big Heart Zen Sangha.
17.
Dennis Merzel has given Dharma transmission to 23 heirs, and authorized 15 to teach as Zen Masters.
18.
Dennis Merzel has given Jukai to 518 students and ordained 139 Priests.