Image design by Jeannene Langford
Zen-a-thon is San Francisco Zen Center’s annual peer-to-peer fundraising event. Each spring, supporters of SFZC share the spirit of generosity and the importance of SFZC in their lives with their friends and family and invite them to donate. This year our goal is to raise $125,000.
During Zen-a-thon, from May 14th through June 15th, we will celebrate the spirit and practice embodied in the perfection of generosity, or dana paramita.
The perfection of generosity involves the recognizing that the three wheels of giving, receiving, and the gift all arise together. So, while we are raising funds in this activity, we are also giving and celebrating the spirit of these gifts. We invite you to celebrate with us!
Give a One-Time Gift Become a Fundraiser Join a Team
In addition to our online offerings, we have planned several in-person Zen-a-thon events. These are offered free of charge, but please register so we know how many people to expect (space is limited).
Sunday, May 12 – Warm Hands to Warm Feet: Zen-a-thon 2024
10:00 am–12:00 pm in the Conference Center (308 Page St.)
Join the Outreach team in distributing socks and other helpful items to our unhoused neighbors during Warm Hands to Warm Feet. Together we’ll unpack donated socks and organize them into care kits. We will sit together and set our intention, followed by tea and cookies. Those who choose to do so will be paired with a buddy and head out to offer socks and warm engagement to unhoused folks in the neighborhood.
Friday, May 17 – Film Night — Seek Nothing, Just Sit: Zen-a-thon 2024
7:00–8:30 pm in the Conference Center (308 Page St.)
Seek Nothing, Just Sit follows the temple residents at Antaiji, a Soto Zen temple in the mountains of northern Hyogo Prefecture, as they lead the self-sufficient lifestyle that is the Zen ideal. Popcorn will be served!
Sunday, June 9 – Field Day at Green Gulch Farm: Zen-a-thon 2024
1:30–4:00 pm at Green Gulch Farm
Come to the Farm for an afternoon of play, work, and putting your hands in the dirt, as we gather together in a Spring Zen-a-thon celebration! We will explore all the ways we are giver, receiver, and gift while engaging with the fields at Green Dragon Temple. Please wear appropriate footwear and work clothes; meaningful work will be available for people of all physical abilities.
The celebration will be led by Ango Sara Tashker. Brian Perrino, Farm Manager at Green Gulch Farm, will be co-hosting the event.
As enormous changes continue to shape our world, may we all deepen our commitment to bringing the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha to those who seek it.
Please join us in celebrating Zen-a-Thon 2024!
