Reverend Sumeru Daito Zenei Thompson
Reverend Thompson has dedicated his life to the practice and study of Buddhism. His spiritual journey has taken him across America and Asia, where he studied under authentic masters and twice met with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
He received his early training at San Francisco’s Gold Mountain Monastery under Venerable Ch’an Master Hsuan Hua, followed by studies at Seoul National Buddhist University and the Hae-in Sa monastery in Korea. In 1975, he was ordained as a Zen Priest in the Soto Zen Mission North America, receiving the Ke Chi Myaku Transmission and teaching authority from the late Archbishop, Reverend Dr. Soyu Matsuoka-roshi.
A prolific Buddhist teacher, Reverend Thompson has lectured at universities and community organizations globally. His insights have been featured in numerous publications, including the New Age Journal. Beyond teaching, he is a committed community leader, serving as a liaison for Asian Buddhist communities and an advisor to organizations like the Boy Scouts of America and the US Armed Forces Buddhist chaplaincy. He was the founder and former Spiritual Director of the Sarasota Zen Center in Florida.
Reverend Thompson when not helping others in their dharma quest spends his time working in his fruit and vegetables garden.
Rev. Thompson can be reached at
Telephone: (941) 809.6680