In light of several major transitions unfolding for SFZC and the sangha at large, including the upcoming yearlong renovation of Beginner’s Mind Temple, Abbot David offers dharma pointers for how we might relate to and navigate changes and transitions in our lives ─ both big and small, individual and collective ─ with some measure of mindfulness, clarity, composure, and equanimity. Recorded on December 16th, 2023.

Navigating Transitions

Dharma Talks given at San Francisco Zen Center

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03/24/2024, Eijun Linda Cutts, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm.
This talk by Eijun Linda Cutts was offered and dedicated to Caroline Meister, a Tassajara resident whose accidental death touched so many with sorrow. The talk looks at the Koan “Daowu’s Condolence Call” Case 55 in the Blue Cliff Record, and the non-dual life of zazen and precepts.

Our Own True Home—Dedicated to Caroline Meister

03/23/2024, Marc Lesser, dharma talk at City Center.
In this talk Marc Lesser examines some instructions from Zen Mind Beginner's Mind, for living a full life; a life of practice, joy, grief, ordinary, and sacred.

Living A Full Life

03/20/2024, Gendo Lucy Xiao, dharma talk at City Center.
In this talk, given at Beginner's Mind Temple, Gendo Lucy Xiao explores case number 3 from the koan collection "The Blue Cliff Record” — the case known as “Master Ma is Unwell.” In the talk, Lucy discusses entering the path of awakening from right here, in the life we are living.

Sun Face Buddha, Moon Face Buddha

03/16/2024, Sojun Mel Weitsman - Norman Fischer - Andrea Thach - Susan Moon, book release at City Center.
In this discussion, three long-time Zen practitioners discuss their experiences with Sojun Mel Weitsman, and highlight key portions of his autobiography and teachings. The discussion was held in celebration of the release of a new book about Sojun’s life and practice.

Seeing One Thing Through: The Zen Life And Teachings Of Sojun Mel Weitsman

03/13/2024, Koshin Steven Tierney, dharma talk at City Center.
In this talk, given at Beginner's Mind Temple, Koshin Steven Tierney discusses the experience of loss and grief, and how these very natural and individual human experiences unfold within spiritual community. We must attend to our grief, individually and collectively, in order to maintain healthy relationships and communities. Featuring Clint Smith’s poem “Expedience,” Grace Noll Crowell’s “Let Me Come in Friend,” and the Eihei Koso Hotsuganmon.

Navigating Transitions

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