Meet Attorney and Musician John Sparling, a Supporter and Board Member
John Sparling is a man of many interests and has supported the school since 2013. With over three decades as an attorney, he currently is a partner at Cullen and Dykman and head of the firm’s Construction Litigation Department. When not representing clients, his other passion is music—acting as the lead songwriter, rhythm guitarist, and vocalist for the band Om-en.
SSP: How did you find out about Siddhartha School?
John Sparling: I was going to visit India on a meditation retreat. I was very interested in meditation as a tool for the spiritual development of all children. I was connected with Laura Kozaitis, the executive director of SSP at the time, who invited me to visit the school during the trip. I had a wonderful visit in November 2013.
SSP: Why do you support the school?
JS: I’m a devotee of the school because of the founder, Khensur Rinpoche Lobzang Tsetan, and his vision for it. The school is so clearly based on altruistic intent that it’s hard not to support it. And after meeting the people and students there, the preservation of Ladakhi culture and heritage is important and noble, because the community is so steeped in the spirit of generosity and self-lessness.
Photo: John performing at an Om-en show.
You can watch John perform with the Om-en at the Great South Bay Music Festival on Long Island, New York, July 10, 2022!
