Order of Buddhist Contemplatives (Jiyu-Kennett, Shasta Abbey)
Western Soto Zen lineage founded by Jiyu-Kennett (Shasta Abbey, 1970). Distinctive monastic-style residential training. Some ex-monastic accounts of moderate-control patterns.
CLCI radar
BITE breakdown
0 — Western Soto Zen lineage; some moderate-control documented around founder Jiyu-Kennett.
Profile facts
In context
Jiyu-Kennett brought a distinctive British style of Soto Zen to California, establishing Shasta Abbey in 1970. The Order of Buddhist Contemplatives operates monastic and lay programmes. Some ex-monastic accounts describe moderate-control patterns; the Order continues with reformed governance.
This profile is in progress — history, deeper BITE evidence and survivor voices are still being added. Contributions welcome via GitHub.
Timeline
- 1970Shasta Abbey founded
- 1996Jiyu-Kennett dies
Sources
- Jiyu-Kennett, 'Selling Water by the River: A Manual of Zen Training' (Random House, 1972) search ↗
- Order of Buddhist Contemplatives, 'The Liturgy of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives' (Shasta Abbey Press, 1990) search ↗
- Stuart Lachs, 'Lineage in Modern Soto Zen Buddhism' essays — independent critique of OBC governance search ↗
We cite sources by name and outlet rather than fabricating links. The search ↗ link runs a Google Scholar query for the cited title — useful for verifying academic sources. For news outlets, search the outlet's own archive.