Chicago has a newly-ordained priest in the Rinzai Zen tradition: please welcome Reverend Gakudō Daizan (William Midgley). Congratulations, Will!

Rev. Gakudō has been practicing Rinzai Zen for over 13 years and has served in various capacities at Daiyuzenji for 11 of them. This past weekend, after an intensive Hojo seminar led by Tesshin Brand Roshi, friends, family, and Daiyuzenji community members gathered to witness his ordination ceremony.

Will will continue supporting the preservation and practice of Rinzai Zen traditions at Daiyuzenji by co-leading weekly practice sessions and special events, teaching introductory classes, leading book discussions, and more.