Dear Members and Friends,
We are so happy to announce our new Cambridge Zen Center Abbot, John Kolwaite beginning January 22, 2024.
JOHN KOLWAITE / ABBOT
John brings a great deal of experience to this new role. He is retired from his position as a licensed Special Educator, an administrator, and teacher of children on the autism spectrum at The Boston Higashi School for the past 29 years. He began meditating in 1990 and in 1993 met Zen Master Seung Sahn and began practicing at Providence and Cambridge Zen Centers. After his children were born, he practiced faithfully on his own until becoming a resident 2 ½ years ago with his wife and daughter. He has been our Head Dharma Teacher for the past year and a half and will continue in this role for the present. In his spare time he is a poet.
Please welcome him and join us for practice!
Barbara Feldman / Director
Barbara is a Senior Dharma Teacher in the Kwan Um School of Zen. She served as Director of CZC 2007-2017, as Abbot 2017-2024, and is now the Director again! Barbara is also a long-time member of the Center’s Board of Trustees. She taught an accredited yoga program at Boston University for forty years and continues to lead the weekly Boston University Zen Community since 2003.
ERIC JOHNSON/ Head Dharma Teacher (HDT)
Eric became our Head Dharma Teacher in the fall of 2024 and holds 5 precepts in the Kwan Um School of Zen. He is training to formally become a Dharma Teacher. He has been practicing with the CZC sangha since early 2022 and living at CZC since 2023. He earned his Master's in Social Work in 2024, and works as an outpatient therapist with adults, couples, and families. Outside of work and practice, he enjoys hiking, playing music, and sharing food and laughter with family and friends.
BOBBY YRIBARREN / HOUSe MAster
Bobby is assuming House Master duties in the short term until a new House Master is installed.
Bobby Yribarren / Kitchen Master
Bobby holds five precepts in the Kwan Um School of Zen and has been a member of the school since 2019. He is a current resident of the Cambridge Zen Center and is an avid runner and swimmer from Fresno, California. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in communication from Fresno Pacific in 2012. This was followed by a Masters in Communication from the University of the Pacific in 2014.
