John Daido Loori

John Daido Loori was a Japanese-American Zen Buddhist priest, artist, and teacher known for blending traditional Zen practice with creative expression. He founded the Mountains and Rivers Order, emphasizing meditation, mindfulness, and environmental harmony. Loori also explored photography and art, seeing them as ways to deepen spiritual awareness and appreciation of the natural world. His approach aimed to make Zen teachings accessible and relevant, encouraging practitioners to integrate mindfulness into daily life and artistic pursuits. He is respected for his efforts to cultivate spiritual insight through both practice and creative expression.