Michael Zimmerman | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Zimmerman in 2006 | |
| Chief Justice of theUtah Supreme Court | |
| In office 1994–1998 | |
| Appointed by | Scott M. Matheson |
| Preceded by | Gordon R. Hall |
| Succeeded by | Richard C. Howe |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1943-10-21)October 21, 1943 (age 82) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Education | University of Utah |
Michael David Zimmerman (born October 21, 1943)[1] is an American lawyer who served as the chief justice of theUtah Supreme Court. He is also a Zen Buddhist teacher.
Zimmerman was born inChicago, Illinois, in 1943. He attended university at theUniversity of Utah, entering itslaw school and graduating first in his class. He was awardedOrder of the Coif membership for his academic achievement.[1]
Following graduation, Zimmerman moved toWashington, D.C. and worked as ajudicial clerk forWarren E. Burger, then theChief Justice of theUnited States Supreme Court. He then moved toLos Angeles, working as alawyer forO’Melveny & Myers there.[1]
Zimmerman moved back to Utah to practice law for a short period, also serving as a special counsel toUtah GovernorScott Milne Mathesonpart time.[2]
From 1984 to 2000 he served as a Justice for the Utah Supreme Court, and from 1994 to 1998 he acted asChief Justice.[2]
Zimmerman began his meditation practice in 1993, during the final year of his first wife Lynne Mariani Zimmerman’s life. She was battling cancer at the time and died in January 1994 after a year-long struggle with the illness.[3] Zimmerman continued to serve as Chief Justice of the Utah Supreme Court during this time, while also raising their three daughters on his own.[4]
In 1996, through his work in the courts, he met Diane Musho Hamilton and began sittingzazen atKanzeon Zen Center.[5] In 1998 he receivedjukai and was given the Buddhist name of Mugaku ("no learning").[4] Later that year, he was married by his teacher,Dennis Merzel (Genpo Roshi), to Hamilton.
In December 2006 he receivedDharma transmission from Merzel, giving him authority to teach Zen to others.[4]
Zimmerman and Hamilton went on to co-found Two Arrows Zen, a practice community with zendos in Salt Lake City and Torrey, Utah. Beginning with small retreats in Torrey in the early 2000s, the organization expanded to include a permanent zendo and programs in both locations. Two Arrows Zen offers regular meditation practice, sesshin, and study opportunities, and serves as a hub for Zen teaching in the region.[6]
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