San Francisco Zen Center Dharma Talks

Given by Myoju Erin Merk at City Center on September 19th, 2026 Myoju Erin Merk explores an ancient teaching from the Samyutta Nikaya, offering practice nourishment to fuel our collective journey toward justice and upright humanity.

Given by Tenzen David Zimmerman at City Center on October 21st, 2026 Central Abbot Tenzen David Zimmerman addresses some of the misconceptions we might have about renunciation, including that it means foregoing altogether both worldly pleasures and our freedom.

Given by Shundo David Haye at City Center on October 17th, 2026 In a talk given after completing dharma transmission, Shundo David Haye reflects on the generosity of the ancestors in ensuring that the dharma continues to be available to us and those to come.

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.