Archives: Authors
Aaron Proffitt
Aaron Proffitt is an Associate Professor of Japanese Studies at The University at Albany-SUNY. He earned his PhD in Buddhist Studies at the University of Michigan in 2015, and his first book, Esoteric Pure Land Buddhism (University of Hawaii Press, 2023), explores the ways that Buddhists in East Asia employed tantric thought and practice to attain rebirth in the Pure Land, and contains the first translation of Dōhan’s (1179–1252) Himitsu nenbutsu shō into a modern language. His research and publications have explored Esoteric Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism, and the Lotus Sutra, and his current research explores the way that emptiness has been understood and employed within the Pure Land tradition.His book <em>Esoteric Pure Land Buddhism</em> will be published in September by University of Hawaii Press.
Jean-Paul Contreras deGuzman
Jean-Paul Contreras deGuzman teaches Asian American Studies and Los Angeles history at UCLA. He’s enrolled at the Institute of Buddhist Studies, seeking ordination as a priest.
Janine Bloomfield
Janine Bloomfield is a meditation instructor and longtime meditator. She continues to be rejuvenated by forests.
Simon Van Booy
Simon Van Booy is the author of thirteen books, including, The Illusion of Separateness and, most recently, Night Came with Many Stars.
Lama Karma Yeshe Chodron
Lama Karma Yeshe Chödrön is a scholar, teacher, and translator in the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. She divides her time between the Rigpe Dorje Institute at Pullahari Monastery, Kathmandu, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Before studying Buddhism, she completed graduate degrees in biology and law and worked as a litigator in Miami and Silicon Valley. With her husband, Lama Karma Zopa Jigme, she cofounded Prajna Fire and the Prajna Sparks podcast. She also co-hosts the Opening Dharma Access: Listening to BIPOC teachers podcast.
Eric Manigian
Eric ShoKei Manigian started his studies in Zen 32 years ago in Japan. He has been the student of Roshis Eve Marko and Bernie Glassman of about 12 years. Eric is currently completing his Master’s of Divinity degree at Union Theological Seminary of New York, in the Thich Nhat Hanh program of Engaged Buddhism and Interfaith Engagement. He is an active member of The Buddhist Council of New York and he is on the steering committee of The Buddhist Action Coalition.
Dexter Cohen Bohn
Dexter Cohen Bohn is a British/American social activist and Communications Coordinator at the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) based in Bangkok, Thailand.
Kerry Bennassar
After being resuscitated in the ER after a hornet sting, Kerry realized the fleeting nature of life. Off to see the world, she taught English in Japan from age 25-29 where she found the deep peace of zazen (sitting) during temple stays. On return to California a friend suggested Peace Is Every Step and she found a Sangha. Kerry and her partner, Javier, have been raising their children visiting their “second home”, Deer Park Monastery for many years. During a trip to Plum Village, Kerry aspired to ordain as a member of the Order of Interbeing, receiving the name “True Unfolding Light”. Kerry lives in the SM mountains with her family, dog, cats and fruit trees and sits with Organic Garden Sangha, Los Angeles Compassionate Heart Sangha and Joyful Mountain Sangha.
Jane Duong
Dr. Jane Duong, Pharm.D., is a clinical research pharmacist working at a local pediatric hospital. She lives in San Diego with her mother, husband and two sons. She is fortunate to live near Deer Park Monastery.