Olympia Zen Center
Order of Ryokan
Head of Practice


Olympia Zen Center welcomes new Head of Practice, Genjo Mark Yorke, who begins his new role in residence beginning August 23, 2022. Eido Frances Carney Roshi will continue to serve as Abbot of Olympia Zen Center from retirement.
Genjo grew up in Portland, Oregon and began practicing Buddhism in 2010 with a month-long residency at Great Vow Zen Monastery. While finishing his bachelor's degree at the University of Oregon, he was a resident at Buddha Eye Temple in Eugene and became a full-time resident and postulant in 2015. A year later, he received novice monk ordination from Ejo McMullen Roshi. Since then, Genjo has been training at Buddha Eye or training at monasteries in Japan. He finished his novice training in October 2021 with the completion of his Dharma Combat Ceremony.
"In coming to join OZC as Head of Practice, I feel honored to have this opportunity to plunge directly into a fresh encounter of Heart and Mind within this sangha and home of practice. I'll explore the direction of your mountain wind, blowing steadily now for over twenty years under Eido Roshi’s leadership."