Jiri (George) Hazlbauer was born in Prague and started practicing with the Kwan Um School of Zen there in 1999. Since then, he has lived and worked in Zen centers around the world, participating in daily Zen training and many long retreats, as well as holding various staff positions. He is a carpenter by profession, which has enabled him to help with construction, maintenance and operations in various locations. Much of his Zen training took place at the North American head temple, Providence Zen Center, where he served as abbot before returning to his native country. He is currently the abbot of Vrazne Zen Center in the Czech Republic, where he lives with his wife.