San Francisco Zen Center Dharma Talks

Given by Tenzen David Zimmerman at City Center on October 3rd, 2026

Central Abbot Tenzen David Zimmerman uses ancient water analogies and parables to unpack the concept of paramita, which can be translated as “perfection” or “transcendent,” as well as “crossing over to the other shore.”

Given by Tenzen David Zimmerman at City Center on September 30th, 2026

Central Abbot Tenzen David Zimmerman provides an overview of the structure of a traditional “ango” and how it serves as a supportive, intensified practice container. He then introduces the topic of study for the ango, the transcendent virtue or practices of the Six Paramitas: generosity, ethical conduct, patience, diligent effort, meditation, and wisdom.

Given by Doshin Dan Gudgel at City Center on September 26th, 2026

Doshin Dan Gudgel offers gratitude to our Buddhist and personal ancestors, who have made it possible for us to practice, and who were just human beings like us.

Given by Anlor Davin at City Center on September 23rd, 2026

Anlor Davin examines the Zen teaching of “not knowing is most intimate” and from her perspective as an autistic Zen priest, adds that not-knowing is also friendly.

Given by Gengyoko Tim Wicks at Green Gulch Farm on September 20th, 2026

Gengyoko Tim Wicks explores the experience of awe, the Satipatthana Sutra—an important Theravadan sutra—and the relationship of both awe and this sutra to Zen practice.

Given by Jiryu Rutschman-Byler at Green Gulch Farm on September 13th, 2026

Jiryu Rutschman-Byler discusses and appreciates Suzuki Roshi’s teaching that: “We should understand ourselves in two ways: as a particular person and as someone who has no name, no body, and no mind.”

Given by Gengyoko Tim Wicks at City Center on September 12th, 2026

Gengyoku Tim Wicks explores the Satipatthana Sutra, an important Theravadan sutra and its relationship to Zen practice. How does Shikantaza, "just sitting" make use of this early Buddhist technique?

Given by Henzan Roger Hillyard at City Center on September 9th, 2026

Roger Hillyard explores how we need not travel from teacher to teacher or temple to temple to receive the dharma, we must be present where we are.

Given by Paula Arai at City Center on September 5th, 2026

Dr. Paula Arai explores the question that drives her book Of Mud & Lotuses: Dreaming the Lives of Buddhist Women: How do we wield liberating power in a context with oppressive institutions, teachings, and practices?

Given by Shoren Heather Iarusso at City Center on September 2nd, 2026

Shoren Heather Iarusso discusses the koan story about avoiding heat and cold, pointing out what we learn when we look at our preferences and stay with our discomfort.