Jikoji Zen Center

Chōdō David Dietrich was introduced to Zen practice in 2012 after decades of exploring a number of Western and Eastern spiritual traditions, when he joined a weekly sitting group in Santa Barbara hosted by Tony Johansen, a student of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi.

With time that sitting group evolved into the Santa Barbara Zen Center (SBZC). Dave was privileged to practice and study with Sensei Gary Koan Janka at SBZC for a number of years and fortunate to meet his now teacher Sensei Nenzen Pamela Brown there.

Sensei Nenzen lay ordained Chōdō at Jikoji Zen Center in January of 2024. Dave continues to study with Sensei Nenzen, the Abiding Teacher at Jikoji Zen Center. He also serves as co-temple manager at SBZC.