Rev. Eishin Tom Houghton is the head priest/teacher at the Des Moines Zen Center.

Eishin has been a follower of the Buddhist teachings since 1998. He started Zen practice in 2009 at the Des Moines Zen Center. He received lay ordination from Rev. Eido Espe in 2011 and was given the Dharma name “Eishin.” He was priest ordained in 2015, received Dharma transmission from Rev. Espe in 2022, and accepted the position as head priest of the Des Moines Zen Center in April, 2023 when Rev. Espe transitioned into an emeritus role.

Eishin has had monastic training at Ryumonji Zen Monastery in northeast Iowa where he has practiced for years with his grandfather teacher, Rev. Shoken Winecoff. He is also significantly influenced by the Christian contemplative tradition, primarily through the teachings of Father Richard Rohr from Albuquerque, New Mexico.