Martine Taikai Palmiter is authorized to teach and transmit Zen in the direct teaching lineage of the White Plum Asanga.

Martine started Zen practice in 2000 and then studied with Sensei 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 offers Jukai: Receiving of the Precepts for those who wish to commit to the Bodhisattva path.

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.

She is a member of the Lay Zen Teachers Association and the American Zen Teachers Association.

You can reach her directly at SenseiMartine@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 in 2024. Dharma holders are practicing for Dharma transmission. He teaches and leads practice primarily at our Tuesday afternoon Zazen, and also at Sesshin. He led a group for widowers and divorced people for 14 years. You can reach him at jackharllee@gmail.com

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 2023-2024, and serves as admin guru for JMZ. In 2025 became a Dharma Holder co-leading practice Sunday evenings. Dharma holders are practicing for Dharma transmission. She received Jukai in October 2025. She experiences the joys of practice with her son and husband and in her work with the Strathmore Center for the Performing Arts. You can reach her at admin@joyfulmindzendo.org