ABOUT SENSEI MICHAEL BRUNNER

Sensei Michael Brunner is a Soto Zen Buddhist priest and transmitted American Zen master. He serves as Zen priest and founding teacher of One River Zen, a Zen Buddhist temple established in 2021 in Ottawa, Illinois.

His teaching lineage traces through Dainin Katagiri Roshi via Rev. Dr. Sojun Diane Martin Roshi. Sensei Michael emphasizes the practice of “Soto Zen in everyday life,” guiding students toward awakening, presence, and compassionate action. Sensei Michael Brunner of Ottawa, Illinois guides the sangha in cultivating presence, awareness, and compassionate action through the practice of Zen.

At One River Zen, he offers daily meditation, weekly gatherings, retreats, and community-oriented outreach, all rooted in the understanding that practice and life are inseparable. He resides in Ottawa, Illinois, where he continues to teach, write, and support the growing sangha.