Toni Packer joined the Rochester Zen Center in 1967 as a student/disciple of Roshi Philip Kapleau. She began counseling there in 1971 and assumed teaching duties in 1976. Her encounter with the teachings of J. Krishnamurti opened up and clarified her deep questioning of all established forms and traditions. In 1981, when the entire teaching responsibility at the Rochester Zen Center was transferred to Packer, it became clear to her that she could no longer work within the boundaries of a traditional religious organization. She left the Zen Center at the end of the year and together with friends founded what is now Springwater Center in Springwater, New York.
Packer has led numerous retreats at Springwater Center and other retreats in North America and Europe. Health issues now prevent her from participation in retreat, but the Center continues to hold retreats featuring her recorded talks.
Toni Packer began studying Zen at the Rochester Zen Center in 1967 with Roshi Philip Kapleau (author of The Three Pillars of Zen). She teaches and leads retreats at Springwater Center in Springwater, New York.
