Michael Danan Henry, Roshi
On December 31st, 2010 after 25 years of service, Danan Henry Roshi, the founding abbot and spiritual director of the Zen Center of Denver, retired with full honors, and the deep love and gratitude of the Lotus in the Flame sangha.
He combined unceasing, courageous practice with energetic and creative leadership and a total dedication to the teaching of authentic, ancestral Zen.
As part of his teaching, Danan Roshi established the Monastery Without Walls training program, the Lay Order of the Lotus in the Flame Sangha, and Every-Minute Zen mindfulness training. Over the years, he invented countless other experiments and innovations, including Zen Games, the children's Zendo, art practice and body practice. In 1998 he led the Zen Center of Denver in moving from its old desperately overcrowded house in the Congress Park area of Denver to our current location in a former Christian Science church that now houses a beautiful Zendo, able to accommodate large sesshin and public ceremonies and events. With this move, the Zen Center of Denver has taken its place as a prominent and dynamic part of the community.
Danan Roshi leaves a thriving sangha and a spiritual legacy that remains true to the teachings of his teachers and dharma ancestors.
