After extensive studies and certification by their teacher, Ken and Fern were ordained as Zen Priests. Rev. Ken was finally honored with the degree of Roshi. (Roshi is a Japanese word meaning venerable teacher or "old" teacher and is bestowed only on individuals after demonstrating deep understanding of Zen teaching).

After completing several lecture tours in Japan which included interviews with the Chief Abbot of Sojiji and talks given to students taking religious studies at Komazawa University, the McGuires returned to America and established Zen Centers at Las Cruces, New Mexico and the Headquarters for Daibutsuji in Cloudcroft where they now reside. The Temple is not primarily a place of religious worship in the western sense, but rather a center for Zazen instruction and practice. The instruction, available at several services during the week, has been acknowledged as an important adjunct to the lives of many men and women who have come to meditate. Private consultation or Dokusan can be arranged with Rev. McGuire, Roshi or with Rev. Fern McGuire by appointment.

About our Dharma Master Rev. Dr. Soyu Matsuoka-Roshi
As a Gondaikyoshi (Bishop) of the Soto Zen Sect, he served as superentendant and Abbot of the Long Beach Zen Buddhist Temple and Zen Center. The Temple was headquarters to Zen Centers in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, Everett, Washington and Orange Country in California.

Rev. Dr. Soyu Matsuoka-Roshi was born in Japan into a family which has a history of Zen Priests dating back six hundred years in Yamaguchi Prefecture near Hiroshima. Matsuoka attended Komazawa University in Tokyo where he graduated with a bachelor's degree. He was sent to America to serve as a founder of Temples both in Los Angles and San Francisco. He furthered his extensive graduate work at Columbia University with Dr. D. T. Suzuki. He finally established the Temple at Long Beach in 1971 where he resided until his passing in 1998. Matsuoka-Roshi was a great dynamic influence in both America and Japan, lecturing and providing true Zen training to all people. He is registered in the book of national treasures of Japan.