Dennis Genpo Merzel (b.1944) is an American Zen teacher, author, and former abbot known for his contributions to Western Zen Buddhism. He developed the Big Mind Process, merging Zen teachings with Western psychological insights.
Born in Long Beach, California, Merzel initially pursued a career in education before a spiritual awakening in 1971 led him to study Zen under Taizan Maezumi Roshi. Ordained in 1973, he received Dharma transmission in 1980 as Maezumi’s second Dharma successor.
Merzel authored several books, including The Eye Never Sleeps (1991,) Beyond Sanity and Madness (1994,) 24/7 Dharma (2001,) and The Path of the Human Being (2003,) focusing on Zen philosophy and personal transformation.
In 1999, he introduced the Big Mind Process, a method that blended Zen practice with psychology. He went on to serve as abbot of the Kanzeon Zen Center in Salt Lake City, a role he held until 2011, when he stepped down following controversy over his relationships with several female students.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Dennis Genpo Merzel
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