
In Memoriam: Myogen Steve Stücky
Daitsu Myogen Steven Stücky (Great Pervading Subtle Eye; March 6, 1946 – December 31, 2013)
San Francisco Zen Center’s first central abbot, Myogen Steve Stücky, died shortly after 4:00 on the morning of December 31 at his home in Rohnert Park, California. He was 67. Read more

In Memoriam: Bhante Suhita Dharma
As we will be chanting the Great Compassionate Mind Dharani in a memorial service next week acknowledging Venerable Bhante Suhita Dharma’s passing, we thought to offer this article written by Lee Lipp for the Windbell, a publication of San Francisco Zen Center. Here are some excerpts from the article in Windbell’s Summer 2001 edition that point to Venerable’s continuing generosity to SFZC as he engaged with our sangha’s Teachers in Residence Program, which had started that year. Read more

Fall Practice Period at Tassajara—Concluding Images
The Fall 2013 Practice Period at Tassajara, led by Abbess Kiku Christina Lehnherr, concluded with a shuso ceremony on December 18, featuring Shogen Danielson as shuso (head student). The photos below were taken after that ceremony. Read more

Coming Back to the Original River: Paintings by Margaret Bertrand
January Art Exhibit in the City Center Art Lounge, by Margaret Bertrand
Reception: Friday, January 10, 7 – 9 pm Read more

Accepting with Gratitude: Central Abbot Myogen Steve Stücky Formally Steps Down
My death asks so much of you. Please accept this as a teaching for yourself and for our Sangha. Accept with gratitude. —Myogen Steve Stücky
by Jay Pennington, Sangha News Editor, from an interview with Eijun Linda Cutts
Photos by Renshin Bunce
In a modified ceremony on Sunday, December 15, Abbot Steve Stücky formally stepped down from his position as central abbot of San Francisco Zen Center. Read more

Congratulations to Green Gulch Shuso Bert Dyer
Senior Dharma Teacher Tenshin Reb Anderson (below, right) led the Fall 2013 Practice Period at Green Gulch Farm, with Bert Dyer (below left) as shuso, or head student. Shown below are both leaders after the shuso ceremony concluded the practice period December 10. Read more

Your Year-End Support Makes a Difference: Hear from Those Touched by SFZC Programs
Enjoy these brief, uplifting statements from those who have benefited from or administered some of the various programs and services that you support through donations to San Francisco Zen Center. And please consider either making a donation or continuing your generous offering of support. Read more

Signs of a Shuso: Milestone Ceremony for Deaf Head Student Keith Baker
In our Zen tradition, a shuso ceremony represents a certain culmination of a student’s training. Longtime resident Keith Baker was selected to be shuso, or head student, for the Fall 2013 Practice Period at City Center, with Keith’s teacher, Ryushin Paul Haller. Read more

In Memoriam: Nelson Mandela
Born in 1918, Nelson Mandela was a symbol of great courage. After he was released from an unjust 27-year prison stay in 1990, he led negotiations for the abolition of apartheid in South Africa, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. He was elected as South Africa’s first black president in 1994. He lived a full life working as a humanitarian, and his efforts—fighting HIV/AIDS in Africa and working to end poverty—changed Africa for the better. Read more
Board Election Results 2013
The SFZC Board of Directors wishes to thank the members of Zen Center for their participation in approving the slate of board candidates. Larry Bye, Mark Lachman and Joe Rodriguez will serve three-year terms beginning in January 2014 and completing at the end of December 2016. Congratulations to new and continuing board members for the 2014-2016 term.