Todd Cornell

Todd has been practicing meditation for over ten years. He had his introduction to meditation and Buddhism during his time in Asia. Todd speaks and reads fluent Mandarin Chinese and consequently, his entry into the world of Buddhism was through the Chinese language. In 2008, a Buddhist Monk in Harbin, China, handed Todd a CD of teachings on the Diamond Sutra. Upon listening to the CD his first impression was one of amazement – “…there was a sense of life, a sense of reality that fit perfectly with my worldview in the way the teacher explained things.” This teacher was the Venerable Kong Hai. Todd later spent one year in Taiwan gaining more insight and following the guide of Kong Hai’s teachings from the Chinese version of the Pāli Canon. After returning to the States, Todd continued his meditation practice and began studying the English version of the Pāli Canon. Todd has embraced the practical Buddhist teachings, the teachings of Anapanasati, the Four Nobel Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Todd also has great respect for the worldview of Native America. As a child his mother instilled in him an appreciation for the ideals of Native American Society, their views of the earth and connections with all creatures, the sacred circle of life. He says “There are a lot of similarities between the ideals of the American Indians and the Buddhist philosophies; they are both very peaceful and harmonious and respecting of the earth at their core.” Todd sometimes seasons Buddhism with Native American symbols for easy understanding.

Through his practice, Todd has experienced profound life-changes and continues to put forth good effort for further advancement.