Charles Ryoshin Kalmanek received dharma transmission from Ryotan Eiger Roshi on July 23, 2026. He began his Zen studies with Enkyo O’Hara Roshi, abbot emeritus of the Village Zendo, in 2001 after a trip to Japan. He received Jukai in 2002, was Shuso in 2007, and was given the role of Dharma Holder (Hōshi) from Ryotan Roshi in August 2023.
Ryoshin has been an active participant in the Village Zendo’s Buddhist program at Sing Sing prison since 2010. Currently, he leads the South Mountain Zen Circle in New Jersey and is a member of the Village Zendo teaching staff. He worked in software technology for over 40 years. Ryoshin lives in New Jersey with his wife Sarah and two very good dogs.
