Author: TetsuGen KeiDo

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A deep bow of gratitude

1212Unfortunately as 2013 came to an end a fellow dharma brother, Zen Center Abbot and Bodhisattva as his son beautifully wrote yesterday: “…has passed on (Myogen Steve Stücky) early this morning. He was in some pain throughout the night but had beautiful periods of calm and translucence. As I left him about 3 hours before he finally let go he had the most beautiful smile on his face. His pain had stopped and he seemed to be communicating something – a “yes” is what it felt like to me. His smile was truly peaceful and it looked to me almost a secret smile as if he had confirmed something he had long suspected and it filled him with happiness and love and peace. I know all of you cared for him so much. Know that he is most certainly in peace and in your hearts. – James Stücky”

Our hearts and minds of loving support to Abbot Steve’s family, friends and our Dharma Family at SFZC and beyond! To all we wish you a great & prosperous 2014 and the opportunity to be there with those you love and to share our limited existence in love and support in 2014 and beyond. Thank you Abbot Steve.

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New Years Eve – Dec 31 at 7:30pm

nyebellJoin us for an evening event kicking off at 7:30pm and taking us into 12am Jan 1 2014! There’ll be some soji or traditional New Year’s temple cleaning, a light snack , zazen (seated meditation), striking our large bell 108 times, and finally a toast to the new year. Please note: There won’t be the regularly scheduled zendo events on the 31st.

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Happy Holidays!

xmsbdhaPlease have a safe, joyful, love and peace filled holiday if you celebrate one or next few days with friends and/or family even if you do not.

Please don’t forget we are closed the 24th through the 26th!

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Winter Solstice – Dec 21st

yuzu-bath-winter-solstice-japanDecember marks multiple activities in the Zen Buddhist calendar and Japan’s traditional events. Winter solstice occurs on the shortest day and longest night of the year based on the seasonal rotation of the earth, (to occur this Saturday) & has multiple Japanese traditions including a Yuzu bath!

We will have a combined celebration for our recent full moon (Full Cold or Full Long Night) & mark this point in the year where we begin to start to see more sunlight again.

All are welcome to join in this ceremony/celebration.

Every Saturday we offer early morning zazen (seated meditation @6:30am), morning service, a brief drop-in meditation instruction at 8:30 am. And again zazen at 9:25 am. We wrap up with a dharma talk at 10:15 am (ceremony if applicable) followed by tea and cookies.

 

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Saturday Dec 14, 2013; 10:15am – Guest Speaker Beata Chapman

Wood_BodhisattvaBeata Chapman is a Zen priest and long-time student of the late Darlene Cohen, has practiced meditation in the Soto Zen tradition for 20 years. Because she herself suffers from debilitating spinal nerve pain, Beata studied and apprenticed extensively with Darlene on practicing and living with chronic pain.

Using these teachings on a daily basis, she carries on Darlene’s unique teachings of Suffering & Delight through groups and private pain consultations. Beata works as a compliance and quality improvement consultant, helping long-term care facilities improve performance and therefore the lives of those they serve.

She also works with older adults and persons with disabilities and their families, guiding and helping them access resources.  Private pain consultations are available on the telephone, skype, or in person throughout the greater San Francisco Bay area. And for the Hartford Street Zen Center Beata has been a vital guide and supporter as the facilitator of HSZC’s Sangha Council.

Every Saturday we offer early morning zazen (seated meditation), morning service, a brief drop-in meditation instruction at 8:30 am. And again zazen at 9:25 am. We wrap up with a dharma talk at 10:15 am followed by tea and cookies.

This Saturday will also include the All Member and Board of Director Annual Meeting at 12 noon.

Please join us this Saturday and we hope to see you often!

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Congratulations!

incnseCONGRATULATIONS Henry & Chris on your receiving of precepts and to all who participated in the Winter Light Sesshin for your concentrated effort in our practice.

Great bows and vows to all!