TEAM

Rev. Daiken Nelson, Roshi has worked in kitchens since High School; doing everything from washing dishes to serving to cooking to managing.

 Daiken began Zen Practice 35 years ago in Iowa, where he was born.

For the past 10 years, he had studied with Roshi Paco Genkoji Lugoviña, a Successor to Roshi Bernie Glassman. In October, 2013, Daiken received Shiho/Dharma Transmission from Roshi Genkoji. In November, 2021, he received Inka, making him a Roshi (Venerable Teacher).
Daiken is an authorized Teacher in the White Plum Asanga & The Zen Peacemaker Order. He leads the Pamsula Zen Center in Harlem.

Prior to focusing on Zen, Daiken was a Social Worker; working with the homeless plus those with Chronic Mental Illness & Substance Abuse issues.

In addition to Zen, Daiken is a Reiki Master, Yoga Instructor, Photographer & Writer.

The Mandala Café Project is a weaving of the many threads of Daiken’s Life & the Vision for his Dharma Teaching.