Membership List

Rev. Daiken Nelson, Roshi began Zen Practice 39 years ago in Iowa, where he was born. He studied with several Sucessors to Dainin Katagiri Roshi from the Minnesota Zen Meditation Center.

Since that time, he has practiced with several Teachers within the White Plum Zen Lineage & Zen Peacemaker Order.

In October 2013, Daiken received Shiho from Roshi Francisco "Paco" Genkoji Lugoviña, a Successor to Roshi Bernie Glassman.

In November 2021, Daiken received Inka from Roshi Paco.

Roshi Daiken is the Founder & Guiding Teacher of the Pamsula Zen Center in Iowa City, IA, and 2 Affiliates: Youngstown Zen Center in Youngstown, OH & the Pamsula Zen Westchester Sitting Group in White Plains, NY.
Since October, 2023, Daiken is the Guiding Teacher for the Iowa City Zen Center.

Prior to focusing on Zen, Daiken was a Social Worker; working with the homeless plus those with Chronic Mental Illness and Substance Abuse issues.

In addition to Zen, Roshi Daiken is a Reiki Master, Yoga Instructor, Photographer and Artist.

In July, 2026, Roshi Daiken relocated to Iowa City, IA to become the Resident Teacher at the Iowa City Zen Center, for which he has been the Guiding Teacher for 3 years.