Dennis Genpo Merzel
Roshi
Dennis Genpo Merzel: Roshi
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Born Dennis Merzel, in New York City, Genpo Roshi grew up in Long Beach California. He attended both Long Beach College and the University of Southern California, where he earned a Masters of Education. During this time he also was awarded All American honors, and a led an undefeated champion Water Polo team.
The name and title “Genpo Roshi” were given to him during his studies with Taizan Maezumi, Roshi, the founder of Zen Center of Los Angeles. Genpo Roshi studied under Maezumi Roshi from 1972 until Maezumi Roshi’s death in 1995. Genpo Roshi and his successors have now gone on to establish Zen Centers in the United States, England, France, The Netherlands, Belgium Germany and Poland.
Currently the Abbot and founder of Kanzeon Sangha International, he’s also the author of 5 books and numerous DVD’s on both traditional and Western Zen, and has been a driving force in the effort to introduce Zen to the people of North America and Europe.
