July 30, 2025
Toro Nagashi Ceremony at Sokoji Temple

 

On Saturday, July 19, the Toro Nagashi Ceremony and lamp-floating event took place at Sokoji Temple, the Soto Zen Mission temple in Japantown, San Francisco. Lamps commemorating the Sangha’s ancestors were floated after the O-bon Ceremony, including a special lamp for SFZC, pictured above. Abbot David Zimmerman and City Center resident priest Sozan Miglioli attended, representing SFZC.

Toro Nagashi, or “floating lanterns,” is a beloved Japanese tradition marking the close of O-bon. Each August, countless Japanese lanterns are set adrift at dusk, their gentle light honoring departed loved ones.

More about Toro Nagashi: https://theculturetrip.com/…/the-history-of-toro…/

 

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On Forgiveness

In this letter to the sangha, Central Abbot Tenzen David Zimmerman writes about forgiveness and repair in his own life, and how SFZC is working with former Abbot Richard Baker to reconcile a difficult past and move forward together.