Sangha News Journal
Post Seijiki Ceremony 2013
Blanche Turns 85
Post Jukai 2013
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.
“When I first started to attend Saturday mornings at CC in the early 1980’s one of the faces that stood out was that of a very striking looking older female monk. She stood out in part because she was older, perhaps in her fifties against a field of twenty and thirty year-olds. But what I remember most was that I thought she looked very fierce. Many years later, I heard Blanche give a dharma talk in which she acknowledged with some humor her awareness that some found her fierce. As I had more exposure to Blanche I began to appreciate all her many wonderful qualities as a teacher and the idea of her fierceness receded.
Several years ago a group of us, including Blanche, went to Japan to visit the temple of Kensho Miyamae and a number of important temples in our Soto Zen lineage including Rinso-in. When traveling on planes and trains she wore the traditional clothing of a Zen nun. It must have surprised many to see a western woman in such clothing. At each temple we visited Blanche would lead us in paying respects at the altars, bowing and offering incense. Everywhere we went she was received with great respect, even reverence, by our Japanese hosts. Despite all these formalities, however, Blanche was the first to stay up late to share stories or start a sing-a-long as we drove in the car. She was just another member of the group.
The last few days I have been thinking about my first impressions of Blanche. What is fierceness anyway? I looked up the definition. One is to “”show heartfelt and powerful intensity.”” So, you are fierce, Blanche. Thank you Zenkei for your many years of fierce practice! You have been a continuing inspiration to me and countless others. There are no words to fully express our gratitude and love.”
I love this. It reminds me of the monk who woke up and giggled everyday because he got to feed his fellow monks. Blanche, you are totally that monk. The water with which I wash my bowls tastes like the ambrosia you fed all of us. / Kelly