Jose (Shinzan) Palma was born in Veracruz, Mexico, He is an ordained Zen priest and Dharma successor of Joan Jiko Halifax, roshi. He was ordained as a Zen Buddhist priest by Ven. Samu Sunim in 2004.
He lived and trained for over 8 years as a resident in Upaya Zen Center and student of Joan Halifax, roshi. He received Dharma transmission from Joan Halifax, Roshi in Jan 2015.
He is the founder of the Open Gate Zen Collective in San Diego, CA. co-teaches teen retreats in the US for IBME, and is a guest teacher at Upaya Zen Center in New Mexico, New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care, Zen Groups in México City, and Bogotá, Colombia.
His vision is to continue to mentor and teach young men and women and to create a Zen Hispanic community in the USA and Mexico.