Teachers and Dharma Leaders

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  Ajahn Ñāniko Visiting Teacher to Insight Santa Cruz
  

  Ajahn Ñāniko

  Visiting Teacher to Insight Santa Cruz

  Ajahn Ñāniko was born and raised in California. In 2001 at the age of twenty, he visited Abhayagiri and decided to request anagarika ordination, novice training in 2002, and ordination as a bhikkhu (monk) in 2003. He received his basic training from Luang Por Pasanno and Luang Por Amaro at Abhayagiri, and has also spent over six years training in Thailand. He is now serving as abbot of Abhayagiri since June 2020.

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  Bruce Hyman Teacher
  

  Bruce Hyman

  Teacher

  Bruce Hyman is a retired physician after 30 years of practice. He has practiced yoga and meditation since 1974 and has been intensively involved in Buddhist practice since 2000. In addition, he has been a co-leader of a dhamma Prison Project program at Salinas Valley State Prison since 2003. His practice is influenced by the Thai Forest Tradition, Dzogchen, Shinzen Young, and Spirit Rock teachers. His teachings emphasize practice in life.

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  Jill Hyman Teacher
  

  Jill Hyman

  Teacher

  Jill Hyman has practiced yoga since 1974, Vipassana meditation with ISC since 2000. Her practice is influenced by the Thai Forest tradition (Ajahn Sumedho, Ajhan Amaro, and Ajahn Pasanno), Dzogchen (Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Anam Thubten), the many teachers from Spirit Rock & IMS, and especially Shinzen Young (Vipassana Support Institute). She has served as a volunteer chaplain at Salinas Valley State Prison since 2001, heading the Prison Project program with Bruce since 2003. She completed the 2 & 1/2 year Spirit Rock Community Dhamma Leader Program in January 2008. She teaches classes for beginners, those new to practice, metta, non-residential and residential retreats. She established the first family program. More recently, she has mentored new teachers.