Category: Zen Meditation

  By Tova Green Senior Dharma Teacher Kikū Christina Lehnherr, who will lead the City Center Winter 2026 Practice Period, chose the topic, “Buddha Body—Buddha Mind” to affirm that “it is possible to practice with exactly the body we have, as it is. Limitations are not hindrances; instead they are opportunities to be creative and…

Left to right: Ofosu Jones-Quartey, Zenju Earthlyn Manuel Osho, Terrye Callender, Carmen Phelps and Claudelle Renee Glasgow. Photo by Shundo Gennin.   Congratulations to Ofosu Jones-Quartey (Jido Gensei / Compassionate Way, Profound Stillness), Terrye Callender (Mokusen Zenkatsu / Silent River, Pure Aliveness), Carmen Phelps (Yubutsu Shoho / Brave Buddha, Pure Letting Go), and Claudelle Renee…

  Photo by Shundo David Haye.   City Center Closures Thanksgiving The City Center building and the bookstore will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 27–28, and will reopen on Saturday, November 29 for the regular morning program. There will be no public lunch. The online SFZC Store will remain open. Rohatsu Sesshin The City…

  By Tova Green Vanessa Able, City Center’s Shuso (Head Student) for the Fall 2025 Practice Period, arrived from France with her husband and ten-year old daughter in September. A Soto Zen priest and a chaplain, Vanessa began her practice in the UK (where she grew up). She teaches chaplaincy at the Sati Center for…

Tassajara Director, Ashley Ng, and City Center Abiding Abbot, Dōshin Mako Voelkel.   As I watch the sunlight begin to wane and the valley’s leaves turn red, orange, yellow, and brown, I feel deep gratitude for the seasons and how each turning brings its own purpose and beauty. This morning, my mind goes to our…