Rev. Dogo Nanshin Barry Graham Sensei, Guiding Teacher of The Sitting Frog Zen Sangha, is a Zen monk who has been practicing for two decades, beginning at River of Dharma Zen Sangha in Glasgow, Scotland, and continuing his training at Butsudo Zen Center in Kyoto, Japan.

Dogo Sensei is also a social activist and a novelist, poet, screenwriter and journalist. He is the author of five published books, and his work has appeared in such magazines as Harper's and Parabola. His novel The Book of Man was chosen by the American Library Association as one of the best books of 1995. Details magazine called him "one of the real literary finds," and American Book Review called him "the awesome Barry Graham... where innovative writing meets issues that matter." His book on Zen, Kill Your Self, will be published by New World Library in 2009.

Originally from Scotland, he has traveled widely, and has lived in the USA since 1995. Those years have been spent in Arizona and Tennessee. He is currently based in Phoenix, Arizona, his adopted home, where he continues to teach the Buddha Dharma and work for social justice.

He sees Zen practice and social activism as being inseparable. He has taught Zen in jails, homeless shelters and community centers, and has witnessed two executions in Florence, Arizona, each time at the invitation of the prisoner, not the state. In Arizona and Tennessee, he has worked to stop police brutality and gang violence. These activities led to an interest in the Engaged Zen Foundation, and a close friendship with Ven. Kobutsu Malone, Osho, his current teacher. He serves on EZF's Board of Directors.

Dogo Sensei also writes a blog, The Urban Monk. Videos of short Dharma talks can be viewed by clicking here.

Email him or call him at (602) 430-0384.