We are sad to report that, after the illness that in part led to his decision earlier this month to retire, prominent Zen teacher John Daido Loori (b. 1931) has died.
Loori passed away at around 7:30 am this morning. Details on services in recognition of his death will be forthcoming.
A dharma-heir of Taizan Mazeumi Roshi, Loori founded and served as Abbot General of the Mountain and Rivers Order, whose home base is the famous Zen Mountain Monastery, located in Mt. Tremper, New York.
Geoffrey Shugen Arnold will step into the position of Abbot General; Konrad Ryushin Marchaj will become Abbot of ZMM itself.
Loori will be remembered not only for his teachings, but for his pioneering work in service of the dharma; Loori enthusiastically embraced the web, book publishing, and other innovations whenever they presented themselves. An accomplished photographer, he was also well-known for embracing the arts as tools for spiritual development. See Loori’s online portfolio, here.
For more details on the life and work of John Daido Loori, see this profile from the Lion’s Roar archives.
Update: The New York Times has published an obituary.
We at the Lion’s Roar Foundation wish to express to our friends in the MRO – and all others who are feeling the loss of this significant teacher – our sympathy in this difficult time, and our very best wishes for the future.