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. Joan Sutherland was the founding teacher, and the network is led by her dharma heirs.
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 retired from his role as an Open Source Sensei in 2023. He can be found at Bow and Roar.
Awakened Life is the community in Santa Fe, New Mexico where Joan Sutherland taught until her retirement in 2015. It is now a collectively-run community. For more information, fill out the contact form.
Teachers & Communities




