Ruben Habito, founding Teacher of MKZC, received authorization to teach Zen from Yamada Koun in 1988, and was conferred the Zen name of Keiun (Grace Cloud). Habito went to Japan in 1970 from his native Philippines and began formal Zen practice in 1971. Ordained Jesuit priest in Tokyo in 1976, he was schooled for many years in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. After completing doctoral studies in Buddhism at Tokyo University, he taught at the Jesuit-run Sophia University. In 1989 he left the Jesuit order and moved to Dallas to teach at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University where he continues to be a faculty member. He is married and has two sons. Ruben Habito’s articles are available here.

Valerie Forstman has practiced Zen with MKZC since 1994. Yamada Ryoun Roshi, current head of Sanbo Kyodan, appointed Forstman Teacher in 2005, a position confirmed by Habito Roshi. She continues to practice under his guidance, and assists in teaching duties.

.

.

Helen Cortes has been practicing Zen for the past 19 years under the guidance of Ruben Habito and was appointed Assistant Zen Teacher in 2006 by Habito, confirmed by Yamada Ryoun Roshi.  She is also the guiding teacher of the Tulsa Zen Sangha and is an Oblate of the Osage Monastery.  She works as Executive Director of the MKZC.

.

.

Maria Reis Habito began formal Zen practice in 1982 with Fr. Hugo Enomiya Lassalle, with Yamada Koun in 1987, and with Ruben Habito since 1990. She was appointed Assistant Teacher by Yamada Ryoun in 2008, confirmed by Ruben, and continues her practice with his guidance, while assisting in teaching duties.

.

.

Lee Ann Nail was appointed Assistant Zen Teacher by Ruben Habito during the  Rohatsu Sesshin in December 2010.  Lee Ann has been practicing Zen since 1985 and was the founding president of the MKZC in 1991.  She has also studied under Daido Loori, Jan Chozen Bays, Myotai Bonnie Treace and Leonard Marcel.  She continues to study under the guidance of Habito and will assist him in teachings duties.  Nail is the resident teacher at the Universalist Meditation Group in Salem Oregon.

Joe Benenate was appointed assistant zen teacher by Yamada Roshi in August, 2011.  He began practicing Zen in 1996.