The Dharma Lamp Circle, a group of SFZC legacy givers, enjoyed an evening of poetry and connection featuring a reading by Jane Hirshfield, and a ceremonial lighting of lotus lamps led by Central Abbess Eijun Linda Cutts.
The delightful event took place on April 27 at the home of Zen Center supporter and donor Glady Thacher. As a souvenir, each member of the circle was given a “broadside” − a fine-art printing designed by Layla Smith Bockhorst − of Jane Hirshfield’s poem “Tree”.
Tree
by Jane Hirshfield
It is foolish
to let a young redwood
grow next to a house.
Even in this
one lifetime,
you will have to choose.
That great calm being,
this clutter of soup pots and books—
Already the first branch-tips brush at the window.
Softly, calmly, immensity taps at your life.
From Given Sugar, Given Salt (1992)
If you would like to know more about the Dharma Lamp Circle and Zen Center’s legacy-giving program, click here.
Photos by Myles Cowherd.