Master Reigen Wang-Genh

Olivier Reigen Wang-Genh has been practicing Soto Zen since 1973. He received the ordination as a monk from Master Taisen Deshimaru in March 1977 and followed him in numerous sesshin (retreats) both in France and abroad until his death in 1982. From 1974 to 1982 he was very active in the development of the Strasbourg dojo and became its leader in 1986. From 1987, with the help of a few German and French practitioners, he created dojos in Baden-Wurtemberg: Freiburg, Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, Heidelberg, Mannheim and Alsace: Mulhouse, Colmar, Sélestat, Benfeld... and Basel (Switzerland). In April 1999, he founded the Tai Ko San Ryu Mon Ji monastery in Weiterswiller, Alsace, with the help of the whole regional sangha, and became its abbot. Olivier Reigen Wang-Genh received in 2001 the transmission of the Dharma from Master Dôshô Saikawa, who is currently responsible for Soto Zen in South America. He currently serves as Co-President of the French Buddhist Union and as President of the Zen International Association. He is also President of the Alsace Buddhist Community.