Rev. Dr. Daijaku Judith Kinst

Rev. Dr. Daijaku Kinst is a Soto Zen priest and teacher, a core faculty member of the Institute of Buddhist Studies/Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, and author of Trust Realization and the Self in Soto Zen Practice and many other writings.

With Rev. Shinshu Roberts, she is guiding teacher of Ocean Gate Zen Center in Capitola, CA. As a Soto Zen priest and teacher, academic, scholar, and author, Daijaku has been committed to studying and supporting authentic and fruitful Buddhist practice for many years. Following her formal priest training, including years at Tassajara, she completed a masters degree in counseling. Her PhD was an in-depth study of Soto Zen teachings and how we can create environments in which ordinary complicated humans can realize them and serve the world in need. She has taught and led retreats widely, including Gampo Abbey with the Ven. Pema Chodron, and was appointed International Teacher by the Soto School in Tokyo, Japan.