Sheila Fling, Founder of Chado Austin 

Sheila Fling (tea name Soshin) was introduced to chanoyu in 1992 at John Toler’s Rinzai Zen temple Sogen-In, Ouda-cho, Nara Ken, Japan. She continued to study in the US and received thirteen licenses and four teaching certificates, including Junkyoju from the Urasenke Foundation, Kyoto. Sheila also holds a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin, and was named Distinguished Professor Emerita upon retirement from Texas State University. 

Sheila was honored for twenty-seven years of research, teaching, and service for cross-cultural understanding with the Bridge of Friendship Award by the Japan America Society of Greater Austin in 2019. More information at https://sheilafling.com

Upon Soshin’s retirement from teaching Chado in 2021, her senior student and certified teacher, Linda Mosley, is continuing the Chado Austin tradition.