The Honolulu Diamond Sangha, a lay Zen Buddhist organization, was founded in 1959 by Anne Hopkins Aitken and Robert Aitken, Roshi, dharma heir of Yamada Roshi, and author of many books on Zen. In the early years of the Honolulu Diamond Sangha, Zen masters Nakagawa Soen, Yasutani Hakuun, and Yamada Koun served as dharma teachers. Aitken Roshi retired in 1996. After some years living on the Big Isla
nd of Hawai'i, he returned to live in the teacher's quarters at Palolo, where his students could care for him in his declining years. He passed away on August 5th, 2010. Michael Kieran was authorized to teach by Nelson Foster, a dharma heir of Aitken Roshi in 1999, received Transmission in 2004, and ascended the Mountain Seat in 2006. He is an O'ahu resident and offers regular dokusan and sesshin at Palolo Zen Center. In 2021 Kathy Ratliffe was named a Dharma Guide and authorized to teach by Michael Kieran. Kathy started her Zen training in 1978 at the Rochester Zen Center. In 1983 she began working with Aitken Roshi and then, after Aitken Roshi’s retirement, with Nelson Foster and then Michael Kieran. A Dharma Guide is a Zen teacher who has not yet received full transmission. The Honolulu Diamond Sangha has one center on the island of O'ahu. Palolo Zen Center is nestled in a wooded 13 acre site at the back of Palolo Valley. The Palolo Zen Center comprises a zendo, teacher's quarters, and a residential wing. Activities at Palolo Zen Center include daily zazen, samu, one to eight-day sesshin, and opportunities for residential practice.
