Sangha News Journal
Abbot Steve’s pain level fluctuates a great deal, and periodic supplemental doses of medication are needed around the clock to keep it manageable. Also, fatigue and weakness make simple ventures from the bed seem like major efforts.
Somehow, even through his weakness and discomfort, Abbot Steve shines through like this at various moments.
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.”
Congratulations to Mary Stares, who received Dharma Transmission from Rinso Ed Sattizahn at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center on July 19.
Since 2022, Kevin Starbard has produced ten Butoh performances at SFZC, enriching the community with this avant-garde Japanese dance form.
Beloved Abbot Steve,
May my words join with those of many others. Words that tell you of the puddles of tears soon becoming rivers. Tears of sublime joy to behold your blooming, forever happiness. Tears that say ‘yes, I am willing to walk with you on the path of these days’.
Remember “This land is your land, this land is my land” as you joined us to bid farewell to the trees of the Hayes Valley Community Farm with your deep voice and guitar.
All my gratitude is yours, Myogen Steve.
with all blessings and bows,
Pat Hendricks
Hi Abbot Steve
Construction guys working on re-sealing the windows got an eyeful of your well-being ceremony just now. I suppose they don’t see things like Buddha altars and chanting much. I hoped they would receive a little of the offering and … then came the thought, what will i receive of their sensibility?
with love
john
Dear Myogen Steve Stucky.
I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the same time you were. The first reminder speaks of the preciousness and rarity of human form at every moment of our lives; nonetheless, there seems to be something especially precious, like a jewel within a jewel, about the time we have left between when we are awake to the truth we are going to die and our death. A lot of nonsense just falls away. We must be grateful.
The way of all things:
Only a single leaf falls,
Yet every leaf falls.
with deep respect and compassion
Donald
My heart cries. I send love to you, Steve, and to Lane. With wishes for less pain and more ease. Am thinking of you both very often, Daya (Dianne)
Dear Steve and Lane,
I keep you both in my heart and mind.
Barbara
Dear Abbot
Steve,
We are sitting with your intention here in far- off Milwaukee. Be well!
Thanks for your smile.
Gassho,
Larraine
Steve and Lane,
I thank God and ask blessings everyday for you. I walked this walk with Suzy and still marvel at her strength, clarity and courage. I feel your strength even from Ohio. I am a better person for knowing you and our family is forever grateful for you.
Much love
Judy.
Dearest Steve and Lane,
Thinking about you, moment by moment. I feel like my physical being is here, because of the collective power of this Sangha. Who knows “why” or”how”. I just want you both to know that I’m often pleasantly awake in the middle of the night…and readily available for any questions, or chat.
I love you both…and am beside you, “walking” hand in hand…
Grace
415-383-3273
I had HPV-induced tongue-base cancer 3 years ago — 6 weeks of radiation and chemo, plus more radiation (brachytherapy) — and they killed the cancer (I was lucky, they knew early on that it was highly treatable, and besides they caught it early), but it was rough, lots of mouth and throat pain, a feeding tube for almost four months. I came from Sweden to attend the Tassajara “veterans” retreat in the spring of 2012, thank you for that. I loved the Bodhisattva Blues or whatever it was you sang for us. I’ve even started sitting regularly again, something I hadn’t done for decades. Thank you for your practice, for helping to keep Zen Center going for all of us.
Dear Steve,
You may not remember me, as we had only brief contact before I stopped being a regular at CC, but I have never forgotten your warmth, kindness and sense of fun and humor. Your practice touched me then and now through the reports of others is incredibly inspiring. I have deep gratitude for this teaching you so openly and generously share at a time that is so very difficult for you and your loves ones. Thank you and may things become more stable and less painful
Co-leading retreats with you at Tassajara has made my life richer and more wakeful. The 2008 fire brought us together. I want to let you know I will continue to watch for the Coulter Pines in the Pines area of Tassajara. I am blessed to have shared trail time with you on the path in and around Tassajara. How lucky to I feel to know someone who deeply loves the earth in such an intimate manner. Coulter pines after the fire and Myogen Steve will always carry new meaning… and with them the reminder of life’s wildness and gratitude for our capacity to open our hearts. I hear the bell ring out across the horse pasture and attend with wakefulness three breaths and the flood of life pouring in every sense portal. Gratefully… two claps, and a deep gassho!