Sochu

Who is Sochu?

Sochu is the Rinzai Zen Buddhist monk who leads Shobo-an, the Zen Centre's residential and lay training temple in north-west London. A second property in Luton, Bedfordshire, Fairlight Zen Buddhist Training Temple, is headed by Venerable Sogen.

Sochu was born in Yorkshire and holds a degree in philosophy. Before becoming teacher in residence at Shobo-an, in spring 2003, he worked as a personnel and training officer in the trade union Amicus. His ordination, together with those of Myosui and Myokun, was performed on 26 June 2004 at Fairlight. The ceremony was officiated by Daiko Iizuka, Chief Abbot of the Ichibata temple in Shimane, Japan.

Sochu oversees and delivers a number of classes and courses at the Buddhist Society, London, with which the Zen Centre is closely affiliated.