Yamada Koun

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Yamada Koun-roshi (1907 - 1989) was born in Nihonmatsu, Japan. Yamada was the 2nd abbot of the Zen Buddhist lineage Sanbo Kyodan, a position he assumed in 1970 after the 1st abbot Haku'un Yasutani retired. Early in life Yamada Koun studied Zen under various masters, including Kono Sokan (, Ashina Sogen (Engakuji temple) and Hanamato Kanzui (Mokusenji temple).

In 1950 Yamada took the Buddhist precepts from Harada Daiun Sogaku, through whom of which he met Haku'un Yasutani. Haku'un Yasutani gave Yamada Koun Inka in 1960.

Some well known individuals practiced Zen under Yamada Koun, including: Phillip Kapleau, Ruben Habito, Father Robert Kennedy, Robert Aitken, former California Governer Jerry Brown, Thomas Hand, Anne Dutton, David Loy, Willigis Jaeger and Ama Samy.