Speaker:   Kosetsu Randy Earl

Dharma Talk Topic: "Failing to Find Enlightenment"

Bio: Raised protestant, Randy never felt a connection with that tradition. In the mid 70’s, he was introduced to Transcendental Meditation and has been drawn to meditation and contemplative practices ever since. His first direct exposure to Buddhist teaching was through a Tibetan Lama in the late 80’s. Over the years, he was fortunate to meet Zen teachers and sanghas through practice and retreats ranging from very small groups to the Zen Center of LA, the Zen Mountain Monastery, the ASZC, Zen Dojo Basel, and Zen Dojo Zürich.

It wasn’t until moving to Atlanta and joining the ASZC that he decided to begin a more steady practice and training with Elliston-roshi, taking the precepts in 2003 as Kosetsu. Although further moves took him away from Atlanta, he continued to train remotely and during retreat visits, taking the vows for Shukke Tokudo in 2013. Soun Kosetsu has served as Zen Chaplain at the North Carolina State University for several years and is currently an STO member at-large.