Matthew Kozan Palevsky first traveled to Upaya in 2006 for a weeklong retreat. He returned eight years later to join the resident body and was ordained as a novice priest by Roshi Joan Halifax in early 2016. From the winter of 2017 to the summer of 2019 he served as both Upaya's President and Resident Director, stewarding the day-to-day administration, the resident body and Upaya’s organizational strategy. Before moving to Upaya, Kozan worked as a social and political activist, organizing large-scale civic engagement on issues ranging from climate change and political corruption to criminal justice reform and workers' rights. In the spirit of engaged Buddhism, Kozan continues to serve as the Chairman of CleanChoice Energy, which delivers renewable energy to thousands of families in the United States. He is a Dharma Holder in the White Plum lineage and continues to live and serve at Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, NM.

If you'd like to learn more about Upaya's Socially Engaged Buddhist Training CLICK HERE and consider sharing the link with a friend.

You can find out more by visiting the website for Upaya Zen Center

Sit, Breathe, Bow is hosted by Ian White Maher

Sit, Breathe, Bow is sponsored by the Online Sangha of the International Kwan Um School of Zen