Teacher

Sensei Merle Kodo Boyd

Sensei Kodo began sitting in 1985 when she saw a 12th century Chinese painting called "The Solitary Angler" in the book, The World of Zen, and immediately recognized herself in every aspect of the painting. After a few years of practicing alone at home with the guidance of Dharma books, she ventured out and found a sitting group led by Sister Janet Richardson. She received Jukai in 1994 and Priest Ordination in 1996 from Roshi Sandra Jishu Holmes. After Roshi Jishu's death, Kodo continued her practice with Roshi Wendy Egyoku Nakao, from whom she received Preceptor Transmission in 2002 and Dharma Transmission in March 2006.

Kodo is African-American and was raised in the deep South in a Christian home and community. During the years between leaving home and beginning the practice of Zen Buddhism, she had no particular religion. She has worked most of her life as a clinical social worker practicing psychotherapy and is now retired from that profession. She is married and has one daughter who lives in Texas.

Lincroft Zen Sangha is affiliated with the Zen Center of Los Angeles, White Plum Asanga and Zen Peacemakers.