Sheila Fling’s Chado Teachers

These are the teachers who have inspired me to continue (Koster, Nado, Bartlett), the ones who later patiently moved me along (Cadwallader, Torigai, Takahara), and the one (Soyu Nabeta) who carried me to chamei (tea name) and Junkyoju (Advanced Teacher). Over the years, with my teacher’s permission, I have also sought out workshops and occasional lessons with other teachers, all of which have been a precious influence.

  • In 1992, at John Toler’s Rinzai Zen temple Sogen-In, Ouda-cho, Nara Ken, Japan, I was introduced to hirademae and miso no dana temae.

  • In 1993, I began studying with Masumi Koster in Houston: 1st 3 beginner’s licenses; lessons twice a month for several years.

  • Noriko Takayama, Houston, after Koster Sensei moved to England.

  • Ron Nado, Kyoto, Japan: Bonryaku Temae, the beginner lesson series).

  • Masumi Iwase Kuwayama, Osaka, Japan

  • Christy Bartlett: several lessons through the years, in both Houston and San Francisco.

  • In 1995, I began to study in Kyoto, Japan, at Midorikai (Non-Japanese Students Division, Urasenke Gakuen Professional College of Chado): June 96–June 1998 on scholarship (3X/week + 5X/week during school vacations). And as a visiting student for one month periods, July 1995, I studied with Gary Cadwallader, Torigai, Alexandre, John McGee, Sato, Nishi, Kobayashi, Elliott Michinik (ICI), Chida, Hashimoto, Bruce Hamana, Ebina, and others. (And received the next 5 licenses to study, May, 1998)

  • Soei (Randy Chanell), Kyoto, Japan

  • Eiko Osaki, Nara, Japan

  • Glenn Pereira, Boston & Santa Fe

  • Kathy Lyons & Austin Babcock, Santa Fe

  • Jennifer Anderson, La Selva, CA

  • Matsumoto, Los Angeles

  • Reiko Sugita, Seattle

  • Saito, San Diego

  • Bonnie Mitchell (Soshin), Seattle

  • Keith Snyder, Vancouver

  • Scott McDougall, Green Gulch Zen Farm, California

  • Noriko Takahara, Austin, Nov. 20, 1998–July 28, 2000 (1 year, 8 months)

  • Machiko Kobayashi, Tokyo, Fall 2005 (several weeks)

  • Keiko Nakada, Albuquerque

  • In 2000, I began study with Nabeta Tanaka (Soyu), in Dallas: September 2000–March 2006; 4 teaching certificates & the chamei, tea name, Soshin 宗心. I received the Junkyoju, Advanced Instructor certificate in 2017