After discovering Zazen in college, Joel explored the teachings of Taoism, Tibetan Buddhism, Vedanta, and the Integral Yoga of Sri Aurobindo. Having completed his undergraduate in jazz composition at Wesleyan University, Joel committed to the path of a healer in graduate school. He has trained as a Chiropractor, Homeopath, Craniosacral Therapist and Health Coach.
Stumbling into the work of Ken Wilber in during his medical school years, he went on to complete the a Master’s Degree in Integral Ecology from Prescott College, followed by training as an Integral Master Coach from Integral Coaching Canada. He’s published on varied topics including Integrative Medicine, Homeopathy, Integral Education, and Integral Ecology. His is the lead author of Coaching and Healing, Transforming the Healing Narrative.
After hearing Ken Wilber’s interview with Jun Po Roshi, Joel began to practice Mondo Zen in 2011. He took Jukai in 2014 being given the name Ekai (Ocean of Generosity). He was ordained as a Hollow Bones priest in 2018. Ekai Yakuso, (Healing Presence) shares his commitment by teaching the Mondo Process and serving as head Jisha at Dragon Heart Dharma in the San Francisco Bay Area https://dragonheartdharma.org/
Ekai continues to teach and heal through his private practice in Berkeley, California, offering the five element training of Mondo Zen as tools for healing chronic illness. “My commitment is to bring the revolutionary teachings articulated by Jun Po Roshi to a broader community through teaching, practicing and serving the Dharma.