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