Empty Hand Zen Center

Susan Ji-on Postal, teacher and founder of the Empty Hand Zen Center, entered Buddhist practice in 1970. Originally learning from a teacher of Dzogchen in the Tibetan tradition, she began Zen studies with Glassman Roshi at the Zen Community of New York in 1980. In 1987 she continued under the guidance of Maurine Myo-on Stuart who ordained her as Zen Priest at the Rye Meeting House in 1988. Prior to Maurine’s death in 1990, Susan received the encouragement and blessing of her teacher to continue guiding practice for the growing Sangha in Rye. Since 2000, Susan has been studying with Darlene Cohen, Zen Teacher of the Russian River Zendo. On January 18, 2008, Susan received Dharma Transmission in the Soto Lineage of Suzuki Roshi from her teacher in Guerneville, California.  Michael Wenger, Dean of Buddhist Studies of the San Francisco Zen Center and Darlene's teacher, served as guiding instructor for this moving eight day Ceremony of Entrustment which marks the completion of training.

With graduate studies in social anthropology and geriatric counseling, Susan has retired after many years of work in homes for the aged.  She is the mother of two grown children and enjoys being the grandmother of five.  Now, with the opportunity to be teacher-in-residence in New Rochelle, she finds a sense of deep fulfillment in living and working as a "temple priest" full time. Susan participates in the Western Buddhist Teachers Conference and in the American Zen Teachers Association. She has long been active in Interfaith Dialogue, in both church and university settings.


Dennis ShoFu Keegan, Head Monk, became a student at the Empty Hand Zendo in 1999 after over 20 years of Zen practice and Buddhist studies in a variety of settings. He was ordained at the Rye Meeting House in 2002, and served as Head Student for the Fall 2005 Practice Period. In April of 2008, Dennis was re-ordained as a Zen priest in the Soto lineage of Suzuki Roshi at Empty Hand Zen Center in New Rochelle with the assistance of Dairyu Michael Wenger from San Francisco Zen Center. He presently leads a Dogen Study Group, hosts monthly Friday Film Nights at EHZC, and often co-leads Retreats and Sesshin.  As an Officer of the Board of Directors,  Dennis serves as Treasurer. He leads an affiliated sitting group in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, where he lives and works.