The mere fact that someone has a piece of paper or silk which proves that he or she is a Soto-Zen lineage holder and dharma heir need not be of great importance in and of itself, but it is at least a start.
In the West, we live in a relatively free society, which means that anyone can call him- or herself a Zen teacher, Master, or simply spread their own teachings without having any lineage affiliations whatsoever.
Once people start lying about their credentials however, the sweet scent of spiritual practise soon turns into a diseased stench.
If someone claims to be a Zen teacher and to have received Shiho, just ask them who their master was.
It is as easy a question as asking someone about who their professor at university was, or which master goldsmith taught them their craft.
If the answer you get isn’t straightforward, or if it seems that nobody at all can confirm such a teacher’s claims of lineage authority, you should better be very careful.
If we are to follow the conclusions of modern academics, it is quite clear (thanks to discoveries made in places like the Dunhuang caves etc.), that the claim of an unbroken Zen lineage is resting on very shaky ground, particularly during the first 1500 years of the lineage.
However, in addition to looking at the idea of lineage in a linear fashion, one can also step away from any kind of chronology and see all the names in the lineage as if gathered around a timeless and spaceless truth in a circle.
All those names in the circle pointing with their lives and their Zen practise to the same unfettered suchness.
To me, the Moon Mountain Dharma lineage is an expression of deep intimacy and a reminder to be always grateful for the generousity of my teacher,Master Taigu Turlur Roshi.
Lex Hixon, just like Ryokan, are both not technically a part of my lineage, but live on through Moon Mountain Dharma nevertheless.
In the future I will also add one of the reconstructed lineages showing female Zen ancestors to this page.
How can we not honour women, when Mother Prajna Paramita and Kanzeon are at the center of our Zen practise, not to mention the amazing female human masters in our tradition?
The old boys‘ network has had its‘ exclusive fun for long enough.
Deep bows to all Zen ancestors, male and female, throughout time and space!

Taigu Turlur Roshi

Hans Kaishin Tenryu
INDIAN LINEAGE HOLDERS
Shakyamuni Buddha
Mahakasyapa
Ananda
Shanavasa
Upagupta
Dhitika
Micchaka
Vasumitra
Buddhanandi
Baddhamitra
Parshva
Punyayasas
Asvaghosa
Kapimala
Nagarjuna
Kanadeva
Rahulabhadra
Samghanandi
Geyasata
Kumaralabdha
Gayata
Vasubandhu
Manura
Hakulenayasas
Simha
Vasasuta
Punyamitra
Prajnatara
Bodhidharma
CHINESE LINEAGE HOLDERS
Bodhidharma
Taiso Eka
Kanchi Sosan
Dai-I Doshin
Daiman Konin
Daikan Eno
Seigen Gyoshi
Sekito Kisen
Yakusan Igen
Ungan Donjo
Tozan Ryokai
Ungo Doyo
Doan Dofu
Doan Kanshi
Ryozan Enkan
Taiyo Keigen
Tosu Gisei
Fuyo Dokai
Tanka Shijin
Choro Seiryo
Tendo Sogyoku
Setcho Chikan
Tendo Nyojo
Eihei Dogen
JAPANESE LINEAGE HOLDERS (& WESTERN)
Eihei Dogen
Koun Ejo
Tettsu Gikai
Keizan Jokin
Gazan Shoseki
Taigen Soshin
Baizan Monpon
Jochu Tengin
Sekiso Enchu
Taigan Sobai
Kenso Joshun
Jizan Yokun
Daichu Reijo
Nan-o Ryokun
Daiju Ryuson
Hogan Zensatsu
Ryozan Chozen
Kishu Gensho
Kigai Mon-o
Kanshu Taisatsu
Tenso Juntetsu
Kenkoku Keisatsu
Raiten Gensatsu
Kengan Zesatsu
Hokoku Satsuyu
Rotei Shoshuku
Fuho Tatsuden
Kazan Jakuchu
Bunzan Korin
Daichu Bunki
Choko Bungei
Roso Ezen
Ryosai Emon
Tokuzui Tenrin
Shogaku Rinzui
Butsuzan Zuimyo
Bukkan Myokoku
Butsu-an Emyo
Zuigaku Rempo
Gudo Wafu
Chodo Cross
Taigu Turlur
Kaishin Tenryu