Forest Flower Zen Is affiliated with the Diamond Sangha network of practice centers. The Diamond Sangha was founded by Robert Aitken in 1959, as a lay practice center. Aitken was among the first westerners to seek out authentic Zen practice in Japan in the 1950's. He studied in the Sanbo Kyodan tradition that draws from both Soto and Rinzai streams of Zen Buddhism and received Dharma Transmission From Yamada Koun Roshi in 1974. Aitken Roshi, in turn, eventually authorized several several teachers to carry the lineage forward in Europe, Australia, and North and South America. Patrick Hawk was one of Aitken's successors.

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Charlie Laurel is the guiding teacher for Forest Flower Zen. He started formal zen practice in the late 1980's. Pat Hawk Roshi was Charlie Laurel's primary teacher from 1998 to 2006. Over the years, Hawk Roshi conferred full teaching authority (transmission) to six of his students, including Robert Walker. Charlie continues to study with Walker Roshi. In 2024 Walker Roshi confirmed Charlie Laurel as an Associate Zen Teacher in the Diamond Sangha. Charlie is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, an amateur musician; married with family, gardens, dogs, and deep concerns for ecological and social wellbeing. ​