Mary Ellen Seien Sloan, Sensei | I. Generation
When I received Shiho, Roshi wrote this on my rakusu:
“To Seien Sensei: You now have my Shobo enjoy and use it happily and freely with wisdom and compassion. Soten Genpo”
This is my aspiration as a Dharma successor.
I began studying with Genpo Roshi in 2001, received Jukai in 2004, was ordained a monk in 2005, and received Shiho (Dharma transmission) September 2017. I’ve been Roshi’s assistant/attendant since February 2011 and lead a meditation group in Salt Lake City, use the Big Mind process in working with individuals, and along with other of Roshi’s senior students have organized a Big Mind process practice group in Salt Lake City. I was also designated a Certified Big Mind Facilitator by Roshi in September 2017.
I’m an attorney, and in 1975 began representing Native Americans and other low-income individuals, and eventually Tribes in various matters, including shepherding legislation through the US Congress to restore federal recognition to a Utah tribe, which made it possible for the Tribe to establish health care facilities, education programs, and housing for its members.
After joining the office of the Salt Lake County District Attorney in 1988, I was appointed Chief of the Tax and Revenue Unit, and the Assistant Division Administrator of the Civil Division, at that time the highest position to be held by a woman in the District Attorney’s Office. I was recognized by the Utah State Bar Association as among the first 100 women attorneys in Utah, served at President of Women Lawyers of Utah, and was an ex officio member of the Utah Bar Commission on behalf of Women Lawyers of Utah. I live in Salt Lake City and have one daughter.
More to come…
…more to come…
Calendar yet to come…