Hartford Street Zen Center | Issan-ji

Guest Speaker, Sat. 25 Feb.: Rev. Tova Green

revmyo — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:44:30 +0000

Please come and join us this Saturday for a Dharma talk by Tova Green. Priest-ordained by Green Gulch Farm Abbess Jiko Linda-Ruth Cutts, Tova is presently Director of Beginner’s Mind Temple at 300 Page St. and is a former director of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship. Zazen will precede as always at 9:25, and the ever-popular tea and cookies will follow. All are welcome.

Parinirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha: Sat. 18 Feb.

revmyo — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 23:40:17 +0000

We will have a simple ceremony commemorating the death of Shakyamuni Buddha this coming Saturday, following the 9:25 a.m. period of zazen and the Dharma talk at 10:15. Everyone is welcome!

Monday, 20 Feb., Presidents’ Day: Zendo CLOSED

revmyo — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 23:37:06 +0000

The Zendo will be closed in observance of the national holiday. Come rejoin our regular sitting schedule beginning Tuesday, 21 February, bright-and-early at 6:00 a.m.

Monday 13 Feb.: No A.M. Zendo Schedule

revmyo — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:05:15 +0000

Due to the special GBS/HSZC event with Ven. Robina Courtin this Sunday evening, we’ll have a work period Monday morning in place of our usual periods of zazen (seated meditation) and chanting, beginning at 7 a.m., to restore the meditation hall to its traditional configuration. We’ll resume the standard schedule Monday evening with the 6 p.m. period of zazen. Our thanks to everyone who has been contributing in any way to this event!

Board of Directors Meeting: February 8th 2012

joseph_sanfran — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:05:46 +0000

Our board of directors will meet this Wednesday, starting promptly at 7:30 p.m., and lasting until 9 p.m. Board meetings are open to visitors.

Retreat Morning and Full-Moon Ceremony: Sat. 4 February

joseph_sanfran — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:11:23 +0000

Click here for details

Sangha Hour – Wednesdays.: 10:30am – 11:30am

joseph_sanfran — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:26:45 +0000

Click here for more detail

Sunday Feb. 12th.: Ven. Robina Courtin, in Conversation

joseph_sanfran — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:47:51 +0000

Hartford Street Zen Center and Gay Buddhist Sangha invite you to:

An Evening with Venerable Robina Courtin, in Conversation
7:00 – 8:30 pm

Ven. Robina Courtin was ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun at Kopan Monastery in 1978. She has worked full time since then for Lama
Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition, first as editorial director of Wisdom Publications and then as editor of the FPMT magazine, Mandala.

She is the founder of Liberation Prison Project, which supports the Buddhist practice and studies of thousands of prisoners in the USA and Australia. Since 1987 she has taught Buddhist courses and retreats at FPMT centers
worldwide.

An award-winning film, Chasing Buddha, made by her nephew Amiel Courtin-Wilson, documents her life and includes her work at Kentucky State Prison. She is one of the subjects of Vicki Mackenzie’s Why Buddhism?, and a film by Christine Lundberg, On the Road Home.
www.vajrapani.org/

There is no fee to attend this event; however, donations are gladly accepted to help our center exist, offer practice and programs.

To pre-register for this free event, please email
gbs.hartford@gmail.com

Guest Speaker, Sat. 28 Jan.: Rev. Cynthia Kear

revmyo — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:53:14 +0000

Please join us this Saturday morning for a Dharma talk by Rev. Cynthia Kear. Cynthia received Jukai from SFZC Abbot Paul Haller in 2004. In 2008 she was given Shukke Tokudo (priest ordination) by Darlene Cohen, her heart and root teacher, and was shuso (head student) in 2009. In December, 2010 Darlene gave her Dharma Transmission. In 2009 Cynthia graduated from the Shokagu Zen Institute, a three year Zen seminary training program. She is the founding member of the Wild Geese Sangha, a group that has met for over 8 years. She leads the Upstairs Sangha, a study group (both of which meet at her home zendo), and co-leads the Women’s Meditation & Recovery Sangha which meets monthly at HSZC.

Zazen (seated meditation) is at 9:25 as usual, with the talk at 10:15, and refreshments afterwards. Everyone is welcome.

Movie night is being moved from routine Sunday of the month for February.

joseph_sanfran — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:25:46 +0000

New date for movie night and alternative event info on Feb 12th to be announced soon…

Wednesdays, Parlez vous francais?: 7pm

joseph_sanfran — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:46:40 +0000

Parlez vous francais? Want to? Upstairs at Hartford Street Wednesdays @ 7:00pm right after evening zazen, Chuck Still begins an ongoing Groupe de Conversation. Practice right speech in French!

Retreat Morning and Full-Moon Ceremony: Sat. 4 February

revmyo — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:15:48 +0000

Our retreat for the month of February will begin at 6:00 a.m., and conclude by noon with the monthly ceremony of renewal of our Bodhisattva Vows. Refreshments for all will follow. The day will feature periods of sitting (zazen) and walking (kinhin), a Dharma talk at 10:15 a.m., and morning chanting service as well as some brief temple cleaning (soji). Our style is quite mild, so no one needs to fear that the day will be too difficult, and retreats such as we have at Hartford Street provide a great opportunity just to settle more deeply and quietly into our practice of Buddha’s Way. A simple breakfast will be served, but to join the meal you must sign-up ahead-of-time, either by sending email to hszc108@yahoo.com, or leaving a phone message at (415) 863-2507. We are asking for a donation of $15 from non-members, and $10 from members, but no one will be turned away because of lack of funds.

Sangha Hour – Wednesday, 10:30am – 11:30am

joseph_sanfran — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:12:54 +0000

Why meditate? Curious about Buddhism? Looking for a spiritual connection? Why not check out the Open House every Wednesday from 10:30-11:30am at Hartford Street Zen Center. Nice company, refreshments and a casual, informal setting.

Sangha Hour is ideal for questions, exploring Buddhism, connecting, reconnecting, or just an hour of time in a social setting for those who want to enrich their current Sangha life.

*This is a new program we’re trying out and so your thoughts, comments and participation are welcome and encouraged

MLK Holiday: Mon. 16 Jan.

revmyo — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:00:12 +0000

Our zendo (meditation hall) will be closed in honor of the national holiday commemorating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this coming Monday. The regular schedule resumes with 6 a.m. zazen (seated meditation) Tuesday morning, the 17th.

Movie Night Date to be announced soon!

joseph_sanfran — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:04:41 +0000

5:30pm – Hosted by Richard C. (our beloved President of the BODs and HSZC Member)

Board of Directors Meeting: January 11th 2012

joseph_sanfran — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 06:12:26 +0000

Our board of directors will meet this Wednesday, starting promptly at 7:30 p.m., and lasting until 9 p.m. Board meetings are open to visitors.

How can we better serve our community and grow our Sangha?

joseph_sanfran — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:02:21 +0000

Dear Sangha, Member, Guest, E-Sangha and anyone who would like to provide feedback:

We are looking for your anonymous feedback on how we can improve, attract more individuals, get you engaged and involved in the Hartford Street Zen Center (HSZC).

Please take a few quick moments to answer our 10 simple questions and provide any additional comments by visiting the link below:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/68HYCRT

We appreciate your feedback and hope to hear about what you like and where we can better serve the community through the Dharma and the practice of Soto Zen.

Thank you!

Sincerely,
The HSZC Outreach Committee

New Years – 2012

joseph_sanfran — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:43:09 +0000

Just so you can be sure your calendars are marked, remember that there won’t be the usual Saturday morning schedule this week (Sat. the 31st., 9:25 a.m. zazen (seated meditation), 10:15 Dharma talk etc.). Rather, we’ll begin our traditional New Year’s Eve observance at 7:30 p.m. with temple cleaning, followed by a light snack, and then repair to the zendo (meditation hall) for quiet sitting. The densho (large hanging bell) will begin to be struck as midnight approacheth, ending just at 12:00 a.m., when we’ll have the New Year’s toast with sake and/or apple juice, and the Fire Ceremony in the back yard. (Just think of all that good karma…) Everyone is welcome! Oh, but DO try to give us a heads-up if you think you’ll be here for the whole program, so we can keep enough food on hand: Send us email via the website, or to hszc108@yahoo.com, or leave us a phone message at (415) 863-2507, and please remember, we depend completely on donations. Thank you!

Thank you!

joseph_sanfran — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:30:06 +0000

We would like to thank all who came to and/or supported our Holiday, Art Auction, and Raffle event!

We are very appreciative of your donated funds and hope you left with some enjoyable new things.

It was wonderful to see you all and cant wait to see you and continue our practice together wrapping up 2011 and soon in 2012…

We would also like to make mention of a very special thank you to those who donated art, objects, time, skills and to those who organized, staffed and hosted this event.

A very sincere Thank You!

TODAY ~ 1pm to 5pm, please drop by!

joseph_sanfran — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 17:08:40 +0000

Art Auction - Prize Raffle -Small Bites - Holiday Season Cheer

Queer Buddhists, Buddhist interested and our Allies

Light Breaks Out: Retreat Ends 2011

revmyo — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:24:36 +0000

Our retreat vessel opened into the wide world last Sunday afternoon (11 Dec.), letting out the light we’d been gathering the previous four days. It was a wonderful time of quiet togetherness for all, including the one with four legs and a (short) tail. Our deep thanks to all participants and supporters, whether near or far. Please join us again as soon as you can.

ALERT! Revised Retreat Schedule…

revmyo — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:52:09 +0000

Ok, sorry, but… the Practice Leader is kind of a doofus, and posted last year’s schedule by mistake. However, all has been made right, and now this link will take you to the corrected schedule for the current retreat. Y’all come! (Except for meals… heh…)

Winter Holiday Event: December 18, 2011

joseph_sanfran — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:11:42 +0000

Art Auction – Prize Raffle -Small Bites – Holiday Season Cheer

Queer Buddhists, Buddhist interested and our Allies

Sangha Hour – Wednesdays, 10:30am – 11:30am

joseph_sanfran — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:21:39 +0000

Click here for details (scroll down page to see this and additional events)

Re-Post: Winter Light Retreat, 7-11 Dec.

revmyo — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 02:29:41 +0000

Hey, click on this link to see the prior posting about our retreat, which starts Weds. evening. Come by and sit with us!

Dec 3rd 2011: Trimming the Tree

joseph_sanfran — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:03:17 +0000

We would like to invite everyone to come by and help create ornaments and trim the HSZC winter holiday tree!

The ornament creation is folding origami ornaments painting, adding glitter, hooks and flair to small Buddhas, and other ornament crafts followed by trimming the tree and dedicating the winter holiday (including Buddha’s enlightenment) decor in the spirit of friends and family (chosen and biological) with intent and actions of compassion, love, charity, good will and spreading love to your fellow man or womyn this holiday season!

Where: 57 Hartford Street
When: 6 PM
What do I Bring? Elbow grease, an ornament if you want to loan it for the month, treats if you wish to offload some high calorie holiday treats and most importantly… Holiday Cheer!

HSZC & GBS Thanksgiving Meal photos

joseph_sanfran — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:57:46 +0000

http://www.gaybuddhistsangha.org/photos/

Sangha Hour – Wednesday, 23 November, 10:30am – 11:30am

Nick Strzelczyk — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:00:57 +0000

Sangha Hour is ideal for questions, exploring Buddhism, connecting, reconnecting, or just an hour of time in a social setting for those who want to enrich their current Sangha life.

*This is a new program we’re trying out and so your thoughts, comments and participation are welcome and encouraged

Guest Speaker, Sat. 19 Nov.: Rev. Jana Drakka

revmyo — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 01:42:10 +0000

Come to HSZC this Saturday for a talk by Jana, priest-ordained at San Francisco Zen Center. Jana has been very involved with Religious Witness for the Homeless and other outreach programs for the disenfranchised, and received Dharma Transmission from retired Abbess Blanche Hartman. We’ll have 9:25 a.m. zazen, of course, then the talk at 10:15, and tea-and-cookies after. All are welcome.

Annual Retreat: Winter Light – 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 December

revmyo — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 23:12:28 +0000

Our annual retreat begins Wednesday evening, 7 Dec., and ends with the Enlightenment Day Ceremony by noon on Sunday the 11th. Please join us for this special time of concentrated practice. You may participate in any of the scheduled activities in the zendo (meditation hall), but only those who have signed up in advance will be able to partake of the semi-formal meals in the dining hall. The proposed schedule is available for view by clicking this link . You can sign up for all or part of the retreat by sending email to hszc108@yahoo.com, or leaving a phone message at (415) 863-2507.

Movie Evening – November 13th – 5:30 KUNG FU HUSTLE

AdinAnshin — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:35:25 +0000

In this action comedy film set in 1940s Shanghai, a two-bit thief named Sing aspires to join the notorious “Axe Gang” but first has to commit murder.

When Sing attempts to rob a crowded housing complex called Pig Sty Alley, the local residents reveal their extraordinary ability of defending themselves with high-flying kung fu skills.

A turf war erupts between the locals and the Axe Gang. When the gang busts a kung fu kingpin out of jail, tensions boil over as the housing complex landlady leads a no-hold-barred attack on the Axe Gang. However, then our “hero” discovers his own heroic fate.

HSZC Board Meeting – Weds. 9 Nov.

revmyo — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:24:16 +0000

Our board of directors will meet this Wednesday, starting promptly at 7:30 p.m., and lasting until 9 p.m. Board meetings are open to visitors, unless an executive session is invoked (a rare occurrence!).

Full-Moon Bodhisattva Ceremony – Thurs. 10 Nov.

revmyo — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:17:49 +0000

Please come to the temple for our monthly Bodhisattva Ceremony, where we renew our practice vows. The ceremony will begin right after the evening period of zazen, at 6:40 p.m., and take about a half-hour. Full prostrations are typically done during the ceremony, but standing bows are perfectly ok, too.

Veteran’s Day Holiday: no Zendo events

revmyo — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:12:20 +0000

In keeping with recent custom, we’ll observe the national holiday this Friday, 11 November, and not open the zendo (meditation hall) that day. Please join us again on Saturday morning for our regular program, beginning with zazen (seated meditation) at 6:30 a.m.

Sangha Hour, Wednesdays 10:30am – 11:30am

joseph_sanfran — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:57:43 +0000

Please join us for Sangha Hour (hosted by Jim S.) weekly each Wednesday between 10:30am – 11:30am in our temple’s living room.

This is an open house format to welcome anyone who has never been to Hartford Street Zen Center, past members, future members and our currently active Sangha members.

Sangha Hour is ideal for questions, exploring Buddhism, connecting, reconnecting, or just an hour of time in a social setting for those who want to enrich their current Sangha life.

Coffee and refreshments will be offered.

*This is a new program we’re trying out and so your thoughts, comments and participation are welcome and encouraged

See and Be Seen – Rev. Myo Lahey

Nick Strzelczyk — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 19:20:12 +0000

Peter Coyote Speaks at GBS Meeting – Sunday, 6 Nov., 3PM

Nick Strzelczyk — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:00:22 +0000

The accomplished actor, Emmy Award-winning narrator, writer, singer, songwriter, guitarist and recently ordained Soto Zen priest Peter Coyote will speak at the next weekly meeting of the Gay Buddhist Sangha at HSZC. Peter Coyote was ordained in the same lineage as our temple, that of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi and the San Francisco Zen Center, and we are honored to have him come and share the dharma with us. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Sangha Hour, Wednesdays 10:30am – 11:30am

joseph_sanfran — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:40:22 +0000

Please join us for Sangha Hour (hosted by Jim S.) weekly each Wednesday between 10:30am – 11:30am in our temple’s living room.

This is an open house format to welcome anyone who has never been to Hartford Street Zen Center, past members, future members and our currently active Sangha members.

Sangha Hour is ideal for questions, exploring Buddhism, connecting, reconnecting, or just an hour of time in a social setting for those who want to enrich their current Sangha life.

Coffee and refreshments will be offered.

*This is a new program we’re trying out and so your thoughts, comments and participation are welcome and encouraged

Early Sitting and Founder’s Memorial: Sat. 5 Nov.

revmyo — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:41:07 +0000

We’ll start sitting earlier than usual this coming Saturday. There will be two periods of zazen (seated meditation) beginning at 5:30 a.m., with a period of kinhin (walking meditation) in between at 6:10 a.m., and morning chanting following at 7:00. You may think, “Oh, that’s too early for me”, but you should give it a try, and you can always nap later. Also, we’ll serve a simple breakfast to participants, but you MUST sign up ahead-of-time, either via email at hszc108@yahoo.com, or by phone at (415) 863-2507.The rest of the Saturday schedule will be according to custom, with another period of sitting at 9:25 and the Dharma talk at 10:15 a.m., followed by a brief ceremony of commemoration of the death of our founder, Rev. Issan Dorsey. Afterwards, there will be fistfuls of cookies for your enjoyment! Everyone is welcome…

Writing Workshop with Bruce Boone – Saturday, 5 Nov., 12:00 PM

joseph_sanfran — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 23:39:20 +0000

Bruce Boone will again lead our continued writing workshop Saturday, November 5 at 12 noon, and everyone is welcome to join!

Bring any piece of writing, such as a journal entry, a short story, poem(s), or a manuscript, or just come to exchange ideas for writing projects.

Bruce Boone is the author of Century of Clouds, My Walk with Bob, The Truth about Ted, and LaFontaine (in collaboration with Robert Glück), and his writing was foundational to the New Narrative movement. He has also translated works by Georges Bataille, Pascale Quignard, and Jean-Francois Lyotard.