Another special guest today …

Roger Shikan Hawkins began practicing Zen Buddhism at the San Francisco Zen Center in 1971, at the age of 22. He spent 10 years as a practicing residential student, spending 3 years at the Tassajara monastery, and Green Gulch Farm, as well as the City Center in San Francisco. He studied under Richard Baker Roshi, as well as Tenshin Reb Anderson Roshi, who is one of the most widely known and respected Zen teachers in America. Roger began practicing with Taizan Maezumi Roshi in 1993, until his death in 1995. In the late 90’s he also practiced with the Santa Monica Zen Center, and began teaching classes in a limited role.

In 1999, Roger and his family moved to Florida, where he continued his practice helping The Southern Palm Zen Group in Boca, and he met Lou Nordstrom, Mitsunen Roshi, in 2000. Mitsunen gave Roger the new dharma name, Shikan. Roger finished koan study with Lou, and received Dharma Transmission, meaning certification as a Zen teacher in 2004, receiving the title Shikan Sensei.