Teachers
(L-R) The author with his primary teacher, Bhante Chao Chu, at the Rosemead Buddhist Monastery, Rosemead, CA, February 26, 2012. Photo by Rev. Aroon Seeda.
My primary teacher is Bhante Chao Chu (pictured above), abbot of the Rosemead Buddhist Monastery and President of the Los Angeles Buddhist Union (both based in Rosemead, CA).
The following individuals have also all been my teachers — some more officially than others, but each has been very important to me in my learning as a spiritual practitioner. In fact, if I have learned anything, it is because of them. I owe them so much.
Anagarika Sri Munindra (1914-2003)
The 7th Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche
Godwin Samararatne (1932-2000)
Acharya Judith Simmer-Brown, Ph.D.
And, of course…
mother Dana, father Jim, sister Anna
“Mother & father, compassionate to their family, are called Brahma, first teachers, those worthy of gifts from their children. So the wise should pay them homage, honor with food & drink clothing & bedding anointing & bathing & washing their feet. Performing these services to their parents, the wise are praised right here and after death rejoice in heaven.” – from the Itivuttaka
