Ralph Chapin

Ralph Baldwin Chapin (July 3, 1915 – August 8, 2000), was born in Batavia, New York. He graduated from the MIT Sloan School of Management in 1937 with a degree in Business Administration and Mechanical Engineering. He also had business dealings in Hong Kong making flashlights. In 1945 Ralph returned to Batavia and joined the R. E. Chapin Manufacturing Works, Inc., during this time he held the position of Chairman and Treasurer.

Historical significance

Sangha member of the Rochester Zen Center and one of the earliest American Zen practitioners. He joined the center in 1965. Longtime friend of Philip Kapleau. He is notable for his continued donations to the fledgling center in the 1960s. In 2000 he donated his family land near Batavia to the Rochester Zen Center. The center immediately broke ground for the retreat center. In 2007 the zendo was finally completed and regular sesshin are held there.

R.E. Chapin Manufacturing Works

Founded by his grandfather R. E. Chapin in 1884, the company originally started in the back of a hardware store in Oakfield, New York, producing kerosene oil storage containers for oil lamps. Early in 1900's, after relocating to Batavia, the company began producing hand-operated garden sprayers, and today builds household, industrial and professional sprayers for worldwide distribution.

See also

• Timeline of Zen Buddhism in the United States
• Chapin Mill Buddhist Retreat Center

References

• R.E.Chapin Manufacturing
• Rochester Zen Center. About Ralph Chapin. https://www.rzc.org/chapin-mill/about-ralph-chapin/ Retrieved: 22 January 2015.