San Francisco Zen Center

October is Membership Month and we're sharing Stories of Connection from SFZC members located all over the world. Suiko Betsy McCall remembers moments of belonging, delight and connection with her teacher from her time as a resident at GGF. Please consider joining the SFZC Membership Program which provides a much needed steady source of support. To read Suiko's complete story of connection: https://blogs.sfzc.org//membership-2020-suiko-betsy-mccal/

The Levity of Pause: Clowning & Zen, Remedies for Pandemic Relief Wednesday, Nov 4 - Dec 16, 5:00 - 6:30pm PT With Moshe Cohen and Anshi Zachary Smith This online class will juxtapose Zen and Contrarian clown perspectives to bring lightness, humor, and agility to everyday activity. We will explore how, especially in this year when the radically unexpected has become commonplace, we can live comfortably and skillfully with emotions and thoughts that arise.... For more information: https://www.sfzc.org//levity-pause-clowning-and-zen-remedi See more

An Exploration of the Heart Sutra With Eijun Linda Cutts and Furyu Nancy Schroeder Mondays, November 2 - 23, 7:30 8:45 pm PT This live-streamed class will explore the Perfection of Wisdom teachings, whose heart is compassion, and include other essential related teachings within the sutra.For more information: https://www.sfzc.org//exploration-heart-sutra-class-online Image: Mayumi Oda

Screen captures of Sojun Mel Weitsman during his stepping down ceremony on October 24. (With thanks to @Renshin Bunce.) If you missed the ceremony, it can be viewed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVKMrXXffRg&t=6373s

Diane di Prima was a student of Buddhism and studied with Suzuki Roshi. Here is a poem she wrote about Tassajara: Tassajara, 1969 Even Buddha is lost in this land... The immensity Takes us all with it, pulverizes, & takes us in Bodhidharma came from the west. Coyote met him ***** Our deepest sympathies to her family and friends on this day of her passing. https://www.facebook.com//photos/a.14926/10158773011606878

Sunday's Dharma talk is from Tenshin Reb Anderson, at 10:15am PT. Dharma talks are free of charge, donations gratefully accepted. https://www.sfzc.org//sunday-1000am-livestream-dharma-talk

Saturday's Dharma talk is from Ryushin Paul Haller, at 10:15am PT. Dharma talks are free of charge, donations gratefully accepted. https://www.sfzc.org//saturday-1000-am-livestream-dharma-t

The Ground of Belonging: An Embodied Inquiry into Courage, Curiosity, and Interconnectedness With Steven Harper, Online 10/23 - 10/25 This workshop will draw from Buddhist wisdom, contemplative practices, and contemporary somatic psychology to explore ancient and new ways of belonging to ourselves, others, and the non-human world. When we embody the birthright of our interconnectedness and the ground of belonging, ever-changing life lives through us.... For more information and to register: https://bit.ly/3dLYoFs Image: Steven Harper