Our Guiding Teacher Martine Palmiter is a successor in the direct teaching lineage of the White Plum Asanga.

She founded Joyful Mind Zendo being inspired by Zen Master Eihei Dogen’s teaching on Joy:

“A joyful spirit is one of gratefulness and buoyancy. Being born as a human, you have the opportunity to practice and help others, and living in community you become unfettered in social pettiness. Rejoice in your birth into this world where you are capable of using your bodies freely to help others, with innumerable opportunities, and with all of your strength and efforts in all times of life, to practice in this way.”

Martine started Zen practice in 2000, and then studied with Rose Mary Myoan Dougherty for 17 years before receiving full denbo transmission in 2019. Sensei means “teacher” in Japanese and her name Taikai means Peaceful Ocean.

She is a former Human Resources manager for the Federal Government, former massage therapist and educator. She is a grandmother, gardener, cyclist, yogi, and community volunteer. She is committed to social justice, well-being, authenticity, and sharing the wisdom of joy and the Zen path. She lives in Rockville with her partner Vic.

You can reach her directly at SenseiMartine@joyfulmindzendo.org

Bill Dietrich, Sensei is a dharma heir of Sensei Rose Mary Myoan Dougherty transmitted in 2015, and authorized to teach and transmit the Dharma in the White Plum Asanga. He teaches with Joyful Mind Zendo as well as in his practice of interfaith spiritual direction and in serving people at end of life and in supporting caregivers who serve in such settings.

He currently serves as a board member and treasurer of the White Plum Asanga, and as a trustee for the Ariel Investment Trust, a registered investment company (mutual fund). He is a member of Bethesda Friends Meeting (Quakers). He was a leader for many years at Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. Bill lives with his wife Anne in Rehoboth Beach, DE and enjoys gardening, beachcombing, and exploring nature and the mystery that is life. He spends his days in loving support of Anne in her journey with Parkinson’s.

You can reach him at information@joyfulmindzendo.org

Jack has been practicing Zen for around 15 years, with One Heart Sangha and with Joyful MInd Zendo. He enjoys teaching and early morning sitting. He was made a Dharma Holder (Assistant Teacher) in 2024. He teaches and leads practice at Zazenkai, Sesshin, and soon on Monday afternoons. He led a group for widowers and divorced people for 14 years.

Sarah practiced with Plum Village online for many years, before finding Joyful Mind Zen Community. She enjoys chanting and leading others with whole heartedness and devotion to practice.

She served as Head Monk for our online practice since 2023 and in 2025 is an Assistant Teacher. She experiences the joys of practice in her work with the Strathmore Center for the Performing Arts