Abbess Myoan Grace Schireson is the President of the Shogaku Zen Institute—a training seminary for Zen priests and other Buddhist Sangha leaders who wish to be Buddhist pioneers, carrying Zen and Buddhism outward into smaller communities. Based in California, it is a three year program that grants a Certificate in Zen Studies, with the possibility of a Masters of Divinity Degree with further work within a degree granting institution. The program emphasizes developing leadership and communication skills for guiding a sangha of laypeople. You will learn how to take care of your sangha and to take care of yourself through peer support and the development of a strong referral network. Shogaku Zen Institute is a style of Zen training for bringing forth authentic and wholesome Dharma in small dharma groups and lay practice sanghas.
For a detailed description of the Institute and the SPOT training program, visit their website: