Andrew Palmer, Sensei
Andrew is a teacher within the Open Source, which was founded by Joan Sutherland, Roshi and is part of the Pacific Zen School. Andrew began his Zen practice with Springs Mountain Sangha in 1999, and since that time has studied with Joan Sutherland, Roshi; David Weinstein, Roshi; and Sarah Bender, Roshi. He was named a meditation instructor in 2007 and was authorized to teach by Joan Sutherland in February 2011. He is the guiding teacher for Common Way Meditation Community. Andrew also teaches occasionally with Springs Mountain Sangha in Colorado Springs, CO, as well as at Open Source events and retreats. He served as the Buddhist Program Leader for the Cadet Chapel at the Air Force Academy from October 2013 to December 2020, and was Resident Teacher for Wet Mountain Sangha in Pueblo, CO from January 2016 to December 2019. Sensei Palmer regularly gives dharma talks, offers Work In The Room (individual meetings), facilitates koan study in individual and group settings, and teaches at meditation retreats throughout the year.
Andrew's love of koans and affinity for the ancestors combines with an everyday, ordinary-mind-is-the-way approach to practice, where awakening is always readily at hand: "This is so because we are made of awakening. Zen practice is not about importing or becoming something different, but uncovering and remembering the awakening that is woven throughout our lives. Meditation helps us move beyond the limitations of our habits and stories about who we are and how life is, revealing and opening to a wider territory of freedom and creativity."
Andrew grew up in the Pikes Peak region and currently lives in Colorado Springs with his wife and son.
Andrew's love of koans and affinity for the ancestors combines with an everyday, ordinary-mind-is-the-way approach to practice, where awakening is always readily at hand: "This is so because we are made of awakening. Zen practice is not about importing or becoming something different, but uncovering and remembering the awakening that is woven throughout our lives. Meditation helps us move beyond the limitations of our habits and stories about who we are and how life is, revealing and opening to a wider territory of freedom and creativity."
Andrew grew up in the Pikes Peak region and currently lives in Colorado Springs with his wife and son.
