About John Pulleyn

Sensei John Pulleyn, Co-Director of the Rochester Zen Center alongside Sensei Dhara Kowal, brings decades of Zen practice and teaching experience to the community. Born in St. Paul and raised in Minnesota and Ohio, he joined the Center in 1968 under Roshi Philip Kapleau. Over the years, he balanced a career in painting and software development with Zen training, deepening his commitment after a pivotal DWI arrest in 1990. Returning to the Center in 2003, he served as Head of Zendo for 15 years, offering Dharma talks, private instruction, and leading meditation retreats. Recognized as a Zen teacher by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede in 2021, Sensei Pulleyn continues to inspire and guide practitioners worldwide.
Sensei John Pulleyn, Co-Director of the Rochester Zen Center alongside Sensei Dhara Kowal, brings decades of Zen practice and teaching experience to the community. Born in St. Paul and raised in Minnesota and Ohio, he joined the Center in 1968 under Roshi Philip Kapleau. Over the years, he balanced a career in painting and software development with Zen training, deepening his commitment after a pivotal DWI arrest in 1990. Returning to the Center in 2003, he served as Head of Zendo for 15 years, offering Dharma talks, private instruction, and leading meditation retreats. Recognized as a Zen teacher by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede in 2021, Sensei Pulleyn continues to inspire and guide practitioners worldwide.