Sangha News Journal
Abbot Steve had a couple visits today and had a short walk in the back yard.
He sends love and well wishes to all.
Abbot David invites us to dissolve any sense of separation from others and engage in ways that foster mutual respect and well-being.
Join Abbot David Zimmerman and Tova Green in compassionately holding and supporting each other through these two listening circles
What is a Practice Period actually like? In the first installment of SFZC’s new Practice Period interview series, Valerie describes her experience.
From Zen's female ancestors to the future of practice, Kathie Fischer reflects on the enduring lessons from 50 years of Zen.
Tabreez Govani shares his journey of Zen practice and volunteering to address the challenges of homelessness in San Francisco.
San Francisco Zen Center has embarked on a large, much-needed renovation project at 300 Page Street (City Center).
“I’m trying to convey our practice in everyday relatable terms, so that our Zen tradition is understood for what it is—one of passion, joy, and inclusivity.”
Come participate in residential practice in the newly revitalized Beginner’s Mind Temple!
“Zen Central is a new approach for San Francisco Zen Center; it has restructured the way we do things.”
“I like the idea that I’m helping take care of SFZC, including our wider sangha. It’s one way to save all beings.”
Dearest Steve & all in the San Francisco sangha – I am part of your wider ‘invisible’ sangha, a member of the Sydney Zen Centre now living in Brisbane, Australia. For many years, in various cities, your compassionate & insightful words have helped guide & strengthen my practice. ‘There’s Young Buddha’ is a favourite song of my 6 & 4 year olds & just yesterday we gave Red Robin our best!
With such deep gratitude & a sense of closeness over these many miles of ocean
Sarah
‘Silent friend of many distances, feel
How your breath enlarges all of space.
Let your presence ring out like a bell
Into the night. What feeds upon your face
Grows mighty from the nourishment thus offered.
Move through transformation, out and in.
What is the deepest loss that you have suffered?
If drinking is bitter, change yourself to wine.
In this immeasurable darkness, be the power
That rounds your senses in their magic ring,
The sense of their mysterious encounter.
And if the earthly no longer knows your name,
Whisper to the silent earth: I’m flowing.
To the flashing water say: I am.’
– Rilke, The Sonnets to Orpheus
What a beautiful smile, thank you. Amazing given what you have been through.
Katharine
Hi Steve,
A few days ago I finally got after a dead branch in my plum tree. After some initial cuts with a pole saw, I climbed a ladder to remove the rest. When I was up there sawing, I had a flashback to nearly 30 years ago. I was at Yvonne Rand’s place in Muir Beach.. You asked me to thin out some branches on her plum tree. You came by and said something like, ‘looks like you’re having fun up there.’ And indeed I was.
Back in the present, I thought of you and remembered that climbing a ladder to remove plum branches is a miracle and wonder. Now I see you pictured smelling a rose and think of the many kindnesses I received from my old employer and fellow student of the Way.
Jim
Dear Steve;
So good to see your smiling face. Wendy and I think of you every day and send our love.
Larry