About Sheila (Sōshin) Fling

Sheila Fling (1935-2025)

Dr. Sheila Fling, tea name Sōshin 宗心, Zen name Jikei 慈鎣, and co-founder of Chado Austin, passed away on December 29, 2025. Sheila studied Chado in Japan at Midorikai, the non-Japanese students division of Urasenke Gakuen Professional College of Chado, in Kyoto as well as with Urasenke teachers in the United States. She received the rank of Junkyoju (Advanced Degree Instructor) and the tea name Soshin from the Urasenke Foundation in Kyoto.

Sheila began studying and giving presentations on Chado and aspects of Japanese culture in 1992, and began teaching Chado in 1998. She and her tea students gave over 180 presentations for school and university classes, art museum programs as well as for small clubs and large organizations. In addition, she presented tea ceremonies on six continents including Japan, India, Tanzania, US, Peru, Russia, and Australia. Her 27 years of research, teaching, and service for cross-cultural understanding led to her being honored with the Bridge of Friendship Award by the Japan America Society of Greater Austin in 2019.

Dr. Fling also taught university chemistry for ten years and psychology for thirty years. Upon retirement from Texas State University she was designated a Distinguished Professor Emerita. She held a PhD in Clinical Psychology from University of Texas, Austin, and worked with children, adults, and elders in hospitals, clinics, and private practice. She also lectured, held workshops and published articles on holistic health, communication skills, meditation and contemplation, Chado, and world religions.