Brian Byrnes

Brian Joshin Byrnes is a Zen priest and teacher in the White Plum Asanga of Maezumi Roshi and Zen Peacemakers Order.12 He is the founder and guiding teacher of Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community, which he established in 2017.12 Joshin's teachings emphasize social action and community involvement, with a focus on addressing the needs of economically marginalized communities.2

Background and Experience

Joshin has a diverse background in spiritual leadership and social service:

• He previously served as the Vice Abbot at Upaya Zen Center.
• Before his current role, he worked as President and CEO in other organizations.
• Joshin coordinates Gather, a Zen-Peacemaker drop-in center addressing community loneliness.2
• He leads Street Retreats in various U.S. cities, offering participants direct engagement with life on the streets.2

Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community

Under Joshin's guidance, Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community:

• Began in 2017 with a focus on Zen-inspired direct service in the local community.1
• Supports personal liberation, social transformation, and spiritual flourishing.1
• Offers daily meditation, weekly talks, retreats, study groups, and teacher-student relationships.1
• Engages in social action projects such as Gather, Peacemaker Quilts, and Mindful Recovery.1

The community is currently transitioning to a new location in downtown Middlebury, VT, with plans to reopen in spring 2025.1