Rev. Tenku Ruff trained in Soto Zen monasteries in Japan and North America. She ordained under Tessai Yamamoto, Abbot of Kannonji Temple in Morioka, Japan and received Dharma transmission in the same lineage. Tenku holds a Master of Divinity degree from Maitripa College and is board certified through the Association of Professional Chaplains. Tenku has interests in ethics, chaplaincy, and inter-Buddhist / interfaith dialogue. She is the Head Priest of Beacon Zen Temple in Beacon, NY. Tenku recently stepped down as President of the Soto Zen Buddhist Association, having served on the board of directors for six years.