International Zen Association United Kingdom
IZAUK, the International Zen Association United Kingdom, was started in 1986 by Jean Baby and Nancy Amphoux, a monk and nun who followed Master Taisen Deshimaru for many years. Master Deshimaru was the Japanese Soto Zen Master who founded the International Zen Association in France.
IZAUK is an umbrella organisation connecting dojos and zazen groups (places of practice for silent, seated meditation) around the United Kingdom. IZAUK is affiliated to the International Zen Association.
Mission
The mission of IZAUK and its member groups is a simple one, we seek to facilitate and promote the practice of zazen (silent upright sitting - objectless meditation) and the zen teachings of the late Master Deshimaru. We do this by providing support to groups across the United Kingdom who hold regular zazen and by facilitating and holding regular sesshins, zen days and other events.
In Memoriam
IZAUK, its dojos and practitioners, would like to express our gratitude to Jean Mokudo Shogen Baby who left this life peacefully on the night of 1st January, 2012 at the age of 90. Jean Baby was one of Master Deshimaru's oldest disciples, he participated in the founding of the Strasbourg Dojo and, with Nancy Nanshin Amphoux, helped to start the British Sangha. Following Nancy's death, Jean continued to dedicate himself to the British Sangha and was instrumental in building the foundation upon which all Dojos in the UK practise the way today.
"Time passes quickly. Death follows life. And when this moment comes, it strikes like lightning. But when this moment is passed, the waves die down once more."
~ from the dedication of merit to the deceased
Thank you Jean