Rei Ryu Philippe Coupey, born and raised in New York City, is a Soto Zen teacher in the lineage of Kodo Sawaki. He met his Master, Deshimaru, in 1972 and followed him as a close disciple. Today, after 45+years of Zen practice, Coupey directs a large community of practitioners in Europe. The practice is shikantaza: simply sitting, without goal or profit-seeking mind. Coupey is the primary author of several books, and others done in collaboration with Deshimaru. He also publishs Zen-fiction writing under the pseudonym of MC Dalley. He is a member and officer of the International Zen Association (AZI).