About Daiki Sensei

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Jeremy Daiki Sensei was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, where his lifelong passion for religion and spirituality began to take shape at an early age. As a young teenager, he independently immersed himself in the study of Buddhism, laying the foundation for a profound spiritual journey. In 1999, he undertook an undergraduate internship at the Kanzeon Zen Center, where he encountered Zen Master Genpo Merzel Roshi, a Dharma successor of Hakuyu Taizan Maezumi Roshi. The internship culminated in a transformative June retreat at Kanzeon called Zen Dialogue. This retreat uniquely combined traditional Zen teachings with Voice Dialogue, a Gestalt technique developed by Hal and Sidra Stone. It was during this retreat, while working with Jeremy, that Genpo Roshi conceptualized and founded the Big Mind process www.bigmind.org a groundbreaking approach to Zen practice. Jeremy’s dedication to Zen Buddhism deepened as he continued to study under Genpo Roshi. Over the years, he received Jukai (lay precepts) in 2000, Shukke Tokudo (priest ordination) in 2008, and Shiho/Denbo (Dharma transmission) in 2023, marking significant milestones in his Zen path.

Academic and Professional Expertise

In addition to his spiritual endeavors, Daiki Sensei is a dedicated educator. He serves as a full-time professor at a community college in Colorado, teaching courses in psychology and religious studies. He holds an M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Central Washington University and an M.A. in Religious Studies from the University of Colorado.

A Unique Approach to Zen Teaching

Daiki Sensei’s teaching method seamlessly blends the traditional practices of Zen Buddhism with modern psychological insights and the Big Mind process pioneered by Genpo Roshi. His approach emphasizes Dai Kensho (Great Enlightenment) and incorporates zazen meditation, shikantaza (just sitting), koan study, and Big Mind work. This integrative style provides students with a robust framework to explore and awaken to "The Forever Unnamable It."

Guidance and Community Engagement

Daiki Sensei warmly welcomes individuals seeking to begin or deepen their Zen practice. He offers personalized guidance to students through online sessions or face-to-face meetings in Northern Colorado. Whether you are new to Zen or wish to deepen your understanding, Daiki Sensei is ready to assist.

If you have any questions or are interested in exploring Zen practice, please feel free to reach out.