His philosophy degree deepens the integration of Zen practice, teaching, and community work in the Illinois River Valley.
”
OTTAWA, IL, UNITED STATES, April 15, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Sensei Michael Brunner of Ottawa, Illinois, a Sōtō Zen Buddhist priest and abbot of One River Zen, is set to graduate summa cum laude from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy.
Brunner is the founding teacher of One River Zen, a Zen community based in Ottawa, Illinois dedicated to the integration of contemplative practice into everyday life. His work is rooted in the Ottawa, Illinois community and the broader Illinois River Valley, including daily meditation instruction, Dharma talks, retreats, and community outreach initiatives.
A transmitted teacher in the lineage of Dainin Katagiri Roshi, Brunner completed his advanced training under Rev. Dr. Sojun Diane Martin Roshi. His teaching emphasizes a direct, grounded approach to Zen practice that meets the realities of modern life.
In addition to his role at One River Zen, Brunner founded the Eternal Spring Order, a contemporary Zen community centered on embodied practice, compassionate action, and interfaith cooperation. His work in Ottawa, IL includes daily meditation, Dharma talks, retreats, and community-based outreach initiatives.
The completion of his undergraduate degree reflects a deepening integration of philosophical study and lived contemplative practice, strengthening the intellectual and practical foundation of his teaching and community leadership.
For more information, visit:
https://www.oneriverzen.org/michael-brunner-ottawa-illinois-bio
https://www.brunnerzen.org
Vanessa Roddam
One River Zen
+1 8153240020
email us here
Visit us on social media:
Facebook
YouTube
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Media gallery
