The Hartford Street Zen Center – Issan-Ji Temple is a Soto Zen temple for the LGBTQ+ community, friends and allies in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood.
We have an opening for a short-term Guest or longer-term Resident Student, and invite you to apply if of interest. Special invitation is extended to the LGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities. And Soto Zen ordained clergy are also very welcome to apply!
Having lived in community, especially Soto Zen, or other Zen, meditation centered, or Buddhist communities is a big plus, as temple life has its own rhythm and unique attributes which are conducive to practice. The lifestyle is different from that of living alone, with a family, or with a romantic partner.
What’s involved? You’re a student engaging in a full practice with a room to occupy as a student under the HSZC clergy warm guiding support. It is possible to continue working life alongside resident student activities in the temple. The details of the residential student role, requirements (for longer-term stay), and asks, is outlined in our temple roles document found here (near last page of document for residential student requirements and note we have no sangha council in operation currently). There is a cost in the form of tuition which you can discuss with inquiry. Tuition is in the range of $650 to $750 per month, and is contingent on involvement in temple activities, practice, and residential student status. In addition to daily practice and clergy guidance, tuition includes a bedroom, and shared access to much of the building – with some specific asks around use of the building as stated in the residential student outline.
Tuition is not a rent nor rental agreement, and does not include food/meals. Paper products and utilities for the temple are provided by the Hartford Street Zen Center organization, and we ask that they be used with consideration and care of our limited budget.
After you have reviewed the role and requirements for resident student or short-term guest, please come by and meet the Abbot, Rev. Myo Lahey. Joining for the Saturday program and meeting during tea & cookies is likely the ideal time. Best if possible also to send an email beforehand to info@hszc.org to lightly introduce yourself. Additionally there is a tuition expense you can discuss with inquiry.