Roland Hoshuteki Hendel has always exercised a passion for the study of philosophy and religion. He spent the last several decades studying both eastern and western traditions before beginning his study and training as a student of Shoji Roshi. Roland worked in Silicon Valley for 30 years as an electrical engineer, developing technical solutions to address the challenges of environmental sustainability. When he lived in San Francisco he volunteered at various charitable organizations, including the Marine Mammal Center and the Larkin Street Youth Center. During that time, he founded the local branch of the EDAR project – an effort to bring safe and portable housing to the city’s homeless population. Since moving to Northern California, he operates a sanctuary to protect and preserve a redwood forest and sanctuary for rescued domestic and agricultural animals.