Sensei Martine received dharma transmission (Denbo) in in the Zen lineage of the White Plum Asanga in 2019. She founded Joyful Mind Zendo in 2023 after serving as Guiding Teacher and Board member of One Heart Sangha for 20 years. She practiced Zen for 18 years under the guidance of Sensei Rose Mary Myoan.

She also leads The Tea Ladies Women’s Sangha, and Precepts study.

Martine is a retired human resources manager and now enjoys being a grandmother, gardener, and cycling group leader. She is committed to social justice and well-being, authenticity, and sharing the wisdom of Joy and the Zen path. She lives in Rockville with her partner Vic.

She is a member the Lay Zen Teachers Association and White Plum Asanga,. She teaches also with Morning Star Zendo.

You can reach her directly at SenseiMartine@joyfulmindzendo.org

Bill Jian 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 as he can 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), where he serves on the Pastoral Care Committee. Bill lives with his wife Anne in Rehoboth Beach, DE and enjoys gardening, beachcombing, and exploring nature and the mystery that is life.

Jan Jinkai is a fully transmitted Teacher and dharma heir of Martine Taikai, installed in May 2024.

Jan has been practicing Zen for 20 years and lives now in Key West, Florida.

Jan received Jukai on May 2023 and received the name JinKai, meaning Benevolent Ocean. She is also an author, writer, arts and animal lover. jgary@joyfulmindzendo.org

She is the author of Short Leash: A Memoir of Dog Walking and Deliverance, and teaches the art and craft of creative nonfiction for The International Women's Writing Guild.

You can reach her at jgary@joyfulmindzendo.org