Yamada, K.
Full Name[edit]
Kōun Yamada
Yamada Koun Zenshin (1907—1989), or Koun Yamada
Affiliation[edit]
Sanbo Kyodan lineage of Zen Buddhism
Other Information[edit]
Former leader of the Sanbo Kyodan lineage of Zen Buddhism, the Dharma heir of his teacher Yasutani Haku'un Ryoko. Yamada was appointed the leader of the Sanbo Kyodan in 1967, 1970 or 1973 and continued to differentiate the lineage from other Japanese Zen traditions by deemphasizing the separation between laypeople and the ordained—just as his teacher Yastunai had done. Yamada was also instrumental in bringing Christians to the practice of Zen. According to Michelle Spuler, "By the end of Yamada's teaching career approximately one quarter of the participants at his sesshins were Christians." Spuler, Michelle (2003). Developments in Australian Buddhism: Facets of the Diamond. Routledge. ISBN 0700715827.