The Open Source
The Open Source is a network of teachers, communities, and individuals in the western United States engaged in this koan way together. The Open Source was founded by JS in 2003 in Northern California and continues to this day. Together the Pacific Zen Institute and The Open Source comprise the Pacific Zen School.
Sarah Bender, Roshi is the teacher for Springs Mountain Sangha in Colorado Springs, CO. From 2007 to 2013 Sarah served as Cadet Chapel Buddhist Program Leader for the United States Air Force Academy. She is also a learning disability specialist in private practice.
Tenney Nathanson, Roshi founded Desert Rain Zen in Tucson, AZ with Jennifer Sellers in 2008. He has served as Desert Rain Zen's resident teacher since 2012. Tenney retired from the University of Arizona English Department in 2023 and helps lead the arts collective POG.
Megan Rundel, Sensei leads Crimson Gate Meditation in Oakland, California. She is also a psychologist, psychoanalyst, and beginning ukulele student.
Andrew Palmer of Colorado Springs, CO was an Open Source Sensei from 2011 to 2023. He can be found at Bow and Roar.
Awakened Life was founded by Joan Sutherland in 2007 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, became a self-governing community in 2015 when Joan retired, and continues to this day. For more information, fill out the contact form.
Teachers & Communities
Sarah Bender, Roshi is the teacher for Springs Mountain Sangha in Colorado Springs, CO. From 2007 to 2013 Sarah served as Cadet Chapel Buddhist Program Leader for the United States Air Force Academy. She is also a learning disability specialist in private practice.
Tenney Nathanson, Roshi founded Desert Rain Zen in Tucson, AZ with Jennifer Sellers in 2008. He has served as Desert Rain Zen's resident teacher since 2012. Tenney retired from the University of Arizona English Department in 2023 and helps lead the arts collective POG.
Megan Rundel, Sensei leads Crimson Gate Meditation in Oakland, California. She is also a psychologist, psychoanalyst, and beginning ukulele student.
Andrew Palmer of Colorado Springs, CO was an Open Source Sensei from 2011 to 2023. He can be found at Bow and Roar.
Awakened Life was founded by Joan Sutherland in 2007 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, became a self-governing community in 2015 when Joan retired, and continues to this day. For more information, fill out the contact form.
