Who we are

our lineage

We practice in the lineage of Soto Zen brought to America by Shunryu Suzuki (1904-1971, pictured at left) and continuously transmitted by his students.

Affiliations

South Sound Zen is affiliated with Sonoma Mountain Zen Center, which was founded in 1973 by Jakusho Kwong Roshi (pictured above at right), one of Suzuki Roshi’s close early students.

We are also affiliated, through some of our members, with the Tacoma Buddhist Temple. The Tacoma Buddhist Temple is a Jodo Shinshu (Shin Buddhist) community founded in 1915. They graciously provide our sitting space.

facilitators

Tensan 天山 Chuck Ramey

Tensan is a Lay Soto Zen priest in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi. Ordained in 2014 by his teacher Jakusho Kwong Roshi, founder of Sonoma Mountain Zen Center. Tensan has practiced zazen meditation for more than 25 years, and for the last eight years has served as President of the SMZC Board of Trustees. He lives in Tacoma Washington with Karen, his wife of 56 years, and enjoys the privilege of three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Kosho 光証 Erik Hammerstrom

Erik has practiced zazen for many years, and has sat intensively with the Kwan Um School of Zen and spent time as a resident at the Diamond Sangha. He received jukai from Roshi Joan Halifax, and is currently studying as a priest aspirant under Cynthia Ryotan Kear Sensei. He also serves as a Certified Minister’s Assistant at the Tacoma Buddhist Temple. Erik is married and works as a Professor of Religion at Pacific Lutheran University