My Buddhist practice began in 1997. What started as an intellectual interest grew over the years into a real recognition that this path held deep meaning, healing, and karmic resonance for me. Juko is the Dharma name I received from my teacher (in the Soto Zen lineage) when I participated in a ceremony for receiving Buddhist precepts called Jukai in January of 2009. To prepare for the ceremony, we studied the precepts, sewed a rakusu (a piece of cloth that represents the Buddha’s robe), and completed a silent retreat. The focus of our practice is shikintaza, just sitting.

I offer deep bows of gratitude to Jundo Cohen and Taigu Turlur, who lead Treeleaf Sangha, for their teaching and dedication to the Dharma.