Zenji Nio is a self help expert and motivational speaker who combines Western motivational speaking with Eastern philosophy. Zenji Nio has launched the Compassion Initiative, which conducts social service campaigns worldwide for the most vulnerable and marginalized members of society. Zenji Nio was the first Westerner invited to give a key-note speech for the rights of Dalits at Dikshabhumi in India, during the 60th Anniversary of the conversion of Dr. Ambedkar.
Contents
- Rio Olympics and Paralympic Games
- Toronto Panam and Parapan Am Games
- Motivational Speaking
- Reception
- References
Nio worked as a Buddhist chaplain at the 2016 Rio Paralympics as well as the 2015 Toronto Pan-American Games and Parapan American Games. Zenji Nio called for the Paralympics to be broadcast in India, stating that the Paralympics could help promote visibility and appreciation for people with disabilities, and that Indian culture should focus more on heroes than just celebrities. Within 24 hours of Nio's lending his support to the cause of Indian para-athletes, SONY ESPN announced it would indeed provide coverage of the Paralympics in India as requested by Nio.
Rio Olympics and Paralympic Games
During the Rio Olympics, Nio was reported to have coached 50 medalists in meditation and motivation techniques and to have conducted the first wedding in an Olympic Village between Argentina's Yael Castiglione and Brazil's Marcus Eloe. . During the Rio Paralympics, Nio visited the orphanage of the Nobel-Laureate and Saint Mother Teresa who he had worked with in his youth.
Toronto Panam and Parapan Am Games
During the Toronto Panam and Parapan Am Games, Nio sailed with Mexico's Demita Vega to win the Silver Medal. Nio also created a Museum in the Games Village that was called "the biggest attraction" by Canadian media. Several medalists attributed their success to Nio's coaching that was compared to techniques used by Tiger Woods and Kobe Bryant.
Motivational Speaking
Zenji Nio has given speeches alongside Canadian cabinet ministers Joe Oliver, Chris Alexander, Jason Kenney and John McCallum. . Nio has also presented at the World Parliament of Religions and the NAIN Conference.
Reception
The Times of India has called Zenji Nio "the only contemporary expert from the oldest lineage of the Buddha" and a "noted, eminent and international level-thinker." Charles Adler has said that his listeners were eagerly waiting for Nio's book. Hitavada called Nio a "world-renowned authority and the only non-Japanese person to head an all sects temple and museum in Tokyo to be inspired by Vulture's Peak".The BBC has also produced a motivational program with Zenji Nio The National Post has called Nio "the most sought-after chaplain at the Games" and Chaplain Johnson of Yale University has called Zenji Nio "a reformer like Martin Luther".