Shodo Harada Roshi is a Zen teacher and abbot of the Sogenji monastery in Okayama, Japan. He was born in 1940 in Akita, Japan and was raised in a traditional Japanese Buddhist family. At the age of 18, he left home to study Zen under the guidance of Sodo Yokoyama Roshi, a renowned Zen master of the Rinzai tradition.

After completing his training with Yokoyama Roshi, Harada Roshi went on to study with other Zen masters, including Hakuun Yasutani Roshi and Yamada Koun Roshi. He also spent time in the United States, where he studied with Taizan Maezumi Roshi and Shunryu Suzuki Roshi.

In 1971, Harada Roshi returned to Japan and began teaching at Hosshinji monastery. He was eventually appointed as the abbot of Sogenji monastery in 1982, where he continues to teach and guide students in Zen practice.

Harada Roshi's training in Zen is deeply rooted in the Rinzai tradition, which emphasizes the use of koans (paradoxical questions or statements) as a means of awakening to one's true nature. He is also known for his strict and rigorous approach to Zen practice, often pushing his students to their limits in order to help them break through their attachments and delusions.

In addition to his training in Zen, Harada Roshi is also well-versed in other Buddhist traditions, including Pure Land and Shingon. He also incorporates elements of Taoism and Confucianism into his teachings, reflecting his belief in the interconnectedness of all spiritual paths.

Harada Roshi's background and training in Zen have greatly influenced his teaching style, which is known for its directness, clarity, and intensity. He often challenges his students to question their own assumptions and to delve deeper into the true nature of reality.

Overall, Shodo Harada Roshi's background and training in Zen have shaped him into a highly respected and influential Zen teacher, known for his dedication to the practice and his commitment to guiding others on the path towards awakening.