The ABZD, Zen Deshimaru Buddhist Association, is governed by the 1901 law, the French law of 1901 associations. It was created in 2002 by Master Kosen, successor of Master Deshimaru and his disciples.
Its goal is to promote Soto Zen Buddhism and to teach the practice of Zen meditation (zazen), a teaching that was transmitted to us by Master Deshimaru. The ABZD owns the Yujo Nyusanji Zen Temple in France.
The Kosen Sangha
A sangha is the group of people who follow the teaching of a master. The Kosen Sangha therefore brings together many practice places (dojos) in Europe as well as in Latin and Central America, Canada and Cuba, and also all the people who come to practice sesshins, moments of practice together either in a temple or in a place where we can meet to live this practice.
The Kosen Sangha has two key places: the Yujo Nyusanji Zen Temple in France and the Shobogenji Zen Temple in Argentina.
The council of elders
This council is composed of senior disciples who were appointed by Master Kosen. Some have received the shiho, that is to say the recognition of the transmission of the Dharma. They deal with questions concerning the temple as well as other matters related to the life and functioning of the sangha.
It is composed of the following members:
- Christophe Ryurin Desmur (President of the ABZD)
- Véronique Myokan Harruis (Secretary)
- Françoise Jomon Julien (Treasurer)
- Paula Rei Kiku Femenias
- Pierre Soko Leroux
- Paul Doku Zan Loomans
- Catherine Zenkun Studer
This council therefore has the mission of continuing the work of Master Kosen, of Master Deshimaru, and of all the patriarchs since the origin, since the Buddha.
