Our Assistant Teachers

Danny Soten Lynch, Dharma Holder

Danney Soten Lynch is a Dharma Holder and ordained Zen priest. He was a monastic resident at Great Vow from 2010-2020 completing his novice training in 2019. Soten has been playing and enjoying music all of his life. He served as the Music Director at Great Vow, breathing new life into the liturgy, and led a monastery choir and the Great Vow marimba band. He is an avid long-distance runner and outdoor enthusiast.

Sara Shinei Monial, Dharma Holder

Sara Shinei Monial is a Zen priest who completed her novice training at Great Vow in 2020. She has been practicing meditation intensively since 2007, and has practiced closely with various teachers including Jan Chozen Bays, Roshi, Hogen Bays, Roshi, and Satya Vayu. Shinei has a BA in Education, but left the field years ago to pursue full-time spiritual practice. She is one of the founders of Touching Earth Sangha in Portland, whose intention is simple living in harmony with the natural world. Shinei also teaches yoga.