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Our Lineage
A Brief History 1976 - 2004
The Birth of the Zendo (1976 to 1979)
In her first year in the Philippines, Sr. Elaine is asked by fellow seekers to lead zen
meditation sessions. On 21 November 1976, the Manila San Un Zendo is established.
During this period, the primary objectives of Sr. Elaine are to have the fledgling Philippine
sangha recognized by the Sambo Kyodan in Kamakura and to have Zen practice
accepted and recognized by the Church.
Regular zazenkai are held at homes of members and later, at the chapel of
St. Bridget's School in Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City.
Yamada Koun Roshi makes several trips to the Philippines to hold sesshin. Most of these are held at the Ateneo de Manila dormitories. In 1978, the first four kensho experiences are confirmed. Yamada Roshi notices the regularity of kensho experiences as well as Sr. Elaine's ability to discern them. The Leyte sesshin in 1980, attended by Yamada Roshi and several other senior members of the Sambo Kyodan including Father Enomiya LaSalle, is one of the landmark events of this period.
The Practice Takes Root (1980 to mid-1984)
The sangha grows. Regular Sunday zazenkai are held at St. Bridget's. The zendo is incorporated as a
non-stock, non-profit institution. Sister Elaine is appointed teacher by Yamada Koun Roshi. Ango, periods of intensive practice are held at the Evangelista and the Nubla residences. Starting in 1983, Sr. Elaine
starts teaching zen to political detainees and the Bago Bantay zendo is born. The sangha starts looking for a permanent home. A property is found in Marikina and purchased for P600, 000.
The Zendo Spreads (late-1984 to 1986)
The first sesshin and the first yaza are held in the zendo. The Marikina zendo is formally inaugurated with Cardinal Sin officiating. Sesshin are held regularly in the Marikina zendo. More kensho experiences are confirmed. Sr. Elaine starts establishing satellite zen groups in the provinces. Members of the zendo join the protest fast against the Marcos dictatorship. The 1986 People Power ushers in a new era of democracy. Happily, the Bago Bantay zendo is closed. The Marikina property is paid in full with the final third
installment funded through a donation from the religious order St. Catherine Werke which is headed by Sr. Pia, a practitioner from Kamakura. A twin set of books, Teaching Zen to Christians by Sister Elaine and Total Liberation: Zen Spirituality and the Social Dimension by Ruben Habito is published.
Laying the Groundwork for the Future (1987 to 1989)
Sr. Elaine is assigned by her order to work in Cagayan de Oro. She also begins teaching zen to the Singapore community. The first seven seniors complete their koan studies. Three of them are trained by Sr. Elaine to become zen teachers: Tony Sensei, Sr. Rosario Sensei and Nenates Sensei. The articles of incorporation of the zendo are amended: the community's official name is Zen center for Oriental Spirituality. The Marikina property is renovated with a new wing serving as the new zendo. The new zendo is blessed with Fr. Arevalo, S.J. officiating. Yamada Koun Roshi passes away in Japan.
A Smooth Transition (1990 to 1997)
The Sambo Kyodan is reorganized. Sr. Elaine formally starts sanghas in Baguio and in Davao. She is also assigned by her community to work in England. Kubota Ji'un Roshi recognizes the three Filipino sensei as zen teachers of the Sambo Kyodan. Tony sensei takes over as President of the Zen Center. Kubota Roshi and Yamada Ryoun Roshi start coming regularly to hold sesshin in the Philippines. More kensho experiences are confirmed. Sr. Elaine starts a zendo in Oxford, England.
Coming of Age (1998 to 2004)
More sesshin headed by the two roshi as well as by Nenates Sensei. The Oxford zendo also starts to grow. Some senior members assist Sr. Elaine for short periods. Three Filipino assistant teachers are appointed. They are: Carmen Afable, Rollie del Rosario and Sister Esper Clapano of the Davao zendo. In November 2000, the Sambo Kyodan Kenshokai (Teachers' Sesshin) is held in Manila. In October 2001, Nenates Pineda Sensei is appointed Associate Zen Master (Roshi) of the Sambo Kyodan, the first Filipina to hold this position of responsibility and honor.
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