Sokatsu Shaku

Sokatsu Shaku was largely responsible for popularizing Ryomokyokai, the lay-Zen organization first formed by his master, Kosen, at the end of the 19th century. In 1906 Sokatsu led a group of six disciples, including Sokai-an Sasaki, to California, where the group established the first American branch of Ryomokyokai in San Francisco. Sokatsu returned to Japan for two years, came back to the United States briefly, then returned to Japan for good.