Diplomat's wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, Mitra-roshi began Zen practice January 1, 1974, when she realized without a doubt that nothing outside her would provide lasting happiness and peace. What followed was-and is still ongoing-almost 50 years of concentrated Zen practice. She began teaching in the 1980's, established Mountain Gate in which concentrated Zen meditation practice is offered, in 1996 on her return from living and training at Sogen-ji Rinzai temple in Japan. That time was preceded by 20 years of intensive Zen practice at the Rochester Zen Center under Roshi Philip Kapleau, and was followed until COVID lockdown, with continuing training under Harada Shodo Roshi, Abbot of Sogen-ji and Tahoma Monastery on Whidbey Island, WA. She continues to teach full-time at Mountain Gate-Sanmonji (sanmonjizen.org) in New Mexico.
Mitra Roshi beautifully addresses the elements that are vital to practitioners of Zen in the modern world. These include inner relaxation, ever deepening concentration, somatic awareness, a high level of commitment, radical presence and determination to move through all the obstacles our constructed self may throw up. She unfolds each of these clearly while also encouraging the help that psychotherapeutic techniques can provide in dissolving barriers caused by past experiences of abuse and other trauma. Most importantly she addresses the Long Maturation, the joyful continuation of practice throughout our life that is essential for insights and breakthrough experiences to continue to deepen, function freely and bring benefit to the world. This book will be very helpful to anyone who wishes to see clearly into, and resolve for themselves, the most profound questions of human life. Jan Chozen Bays, MD, Abbott of Great Vow Zen Monastery andauthor of Jizo Bodhisattva, How to Train a Wild Elephant, Mindful Eating, and Mindful Medicine. Mitra Roshi truly embodies the Zen qualities of compassion, clarity, and wisdom. I first met her when I was 18 and decades later, she continues to tirelessly dedicate herself to the awakening of others. This book is an exquisite guide for any serious spiritual seeker. Chris Lanning, Zen student With Deepening Zen, Mitra Roshi eloquently puts her own long years of dedicated Zen practice and training openly and personally before us. From this foundation of actual experience, she reveals how Zen can help each of us mature through our difficulties, and by not avoiding them but working and deepening with them, realize greater freedom, wisdom, insight, and compassion. Bravo! Roshi Rafe Martin, founding teacher, Endless Path Zendo, Rochester, NY, andauthor of A Zen Life of Buddha and many other books.