Our Temple Leadership

Our Temple Leadership

The members of our Temple shall practice together according to the discipline, rules, and usages of the Grand Rapids Buddhist Temple, Heartside Mindfulness School of Mahayana Buddhism established to operate independently in the United States of America. 

Three groups form the structure of our organization. The Temple functions with the Board's oversight, the Dharma Council's teachings, and the participation and support of its members, the Sangha. The Grand Rapids Buddhist Temple is under the spiritual guidance of our Dharma Council who are responsible to our Board of Directors. 

The Grand Rapids Buddhist Temple relies solely on volunteer support and donations.

Dharma Council

The Dharma Council is the body of ordained clergy that supports our Sangha by offering the teachings of the Buddha, from a variety of Buddhist backgrounds including Korean Zen, Soto Zen, and Tibetan lineages. We teach what we know—and all of our teachings originate from the Mahayana vehicle of Buddhism, meaning we share the Dharma (Buddha’s teachings) for the benefit of all living beings.

Board of Directors

Jan Ensing, President/Secretary
Nikki Blake, Treasurer
Kent Robbins, Director

John Wesorick, Director

Dharma Council

Ven. Yong Su Mark Hepper, Lineage Holder

Ven. Kunga Nyima Drotos, Teaching Monk, Senior Teacher

Rev. Igye Su Elizabeth Brennan, Dharma Council Secretary 

Rev. Juéxīn Su Shane Wymer, Facebook and Instagram

Rev. Shinkyu Brian Coté, Temple Librarian

Rev. Son Shin Aaron Garcia

Nasanskara Jeremy Blake, Dharma Teacher Intern

Chongo Su Ashton Shaw, Dharma Teacher Intern

Upaya Jeff Filo, Dharma Teacher Intern

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