Ryugen C. Fisher (1947-2006), Venerable Shi Shen Long, was Jim Eubanks' root teacher and the inspiration for the Center for Pragmatic Buddhism. The operation of our organization is dedicated to his memory and vision of a meaningful practice that speaks directly to Americans. Ryugen, as he preferred to be called, was a practicing Buddhist monk since 1972. He was student of the late Rev. Soyu Matsuoka Roshi of the Soto (Caodong) Zen school in Japan. Ryugen also developed a very close and meaningful relationship with the late eminent scholar of Chinese studies, professor Holmes Welch, author of "The Practice of Chinese Buddhism: 1900-1950," and "The Parting of the Way: Lao Tzu and the Taoist Movement." Much of Ryugen's essential work includes the first ever publicly-available English translation of the Pratimoksa for Western Lands. Ryugen's life was devoted to helping others see the value of "rigorous self-honesty," the first step towards positive self-transformation. His simple yet profound teaching methods reside at the heart of our practice at the Center for Pragmatic Buddhism.
The highest motive is to be like water. Water is necessary to all living beings, yet asks nothing in return, rather it flows humbly to the lowest level. Nothing is weaker than water, yet against those things that are strong and hard, nothing can surpass it nor stand in its way. May we all learn the Way of Water!