Bernie Glassman

Bernie Glassman, was my Zen root teacher. He was the founder of The Greyston Foundation, a mandala of for-profit and not-for-profit enterprises in Yonkers, NY with Roshi Jishu, the founder of the Zen Peacemaker Order. (Previously the Zen Community of New York). He was a champion of social enterprise, and founded the Greyston Bakery – which employed the local homeless – in Yonkers, NY. Bernie taught me that I didn’t need to choose between social action and spiritual practice. He was one of the leading figures in the emergence of Engaged Buddhism late in the 20th century, and he truly showed me the way. Bernie’s impact on me has not only changed my life, but has led to a profound impact on the lives of over a thousands of public school students and their families on Staten Island.