San Francisco Zen Center was established in 1962 by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi (1904-1971) and his American students. Suzuki Roshi is known to countless readers as the author of the modern spiritual classic, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators.
Upon publication in 1970, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind became the primary introduction to Zen Buddhism for Americans. The book is a transcription of several talks Shunryū Suzuki Roshi gave at the San Francisco Zen Center. In here, he guides readers through the basics of Zen practice, as well as the deeper philosophy of Zen. The main theme throughout is that to practice Zen, one must “just practice.”
This book is somewhat of a classic in American Zen circles, and I can see why. Shunryū Suzuki Roshi gets straight to the matter of Zen and drops truth-bombs on every page. I would recommend this book to anyone who is curious about Zen, particularly if they are just starting out in their own Zen journey.
Review by Jessica A.
The true purpose [of Zen] is to see things as they are, to observe things as they are, and to let everything go as it goes... Zen practice is to open up our small mind.
― Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
San Francisco Zen Center was established in 1962 by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi (1904-1971) and his American students. Suzuki Roshi is known to countless readers as the author of the modern spiritual classic, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind.
San Francisco Zen Center has three practice places: Beginner's Mind Temple, in the vibrant heart of San Francisco; Green Gulch Farm, whose organic fields meet the ocean in Marin County; and Tassajara Zen Mountain Center—the first Soto Zen training monastery on the West coast—located in the Ventana Wilderness inland from Big Sur. These three practice centers offer daily meditation, regular monastic retreats and practice periods, classes, lectures, and workshops.
San Francisco Zen Center is a practice place for a diverse population of students, visitors, lay people, priests, and monks guided by teachers who follow in Suzuki Roshi's style of warm hand and heart to warm hand and heart. All are welcome.
San Francisco Zen Center's programs also reach out to the community, helping prisoners, the homeless, and those in recovery; protecting the environment; and working for peace. Suzuki Roshi's disciples and students of his disciples now lead dharma groups around the country.
Mission and Vision
The mission statement, vision, and guiding principles of the organization
San Francisco Zen Center Lineage
The essence of practice is not just carried in the written teachings, but has been transmitted 'warm hand to warm hand' in an unbroken succession of teachers to students.
Shunryu Suzuki Roshi Scandal
The Community
The San Francisco Zen Center community includes residents and non-residents at all three centers, priests and lay practitioners, long-term and short-term participants, and opportunities to attend a wide variety of events and programs.
How San Francisco Zen Center Operates
Suzuki Roshi
Governance structure, ethical principles, board of directors, and inclusion policy
Affiliations
San Francisco Zen Center is connected to a wide range of Zen Buddhist and interfaith organizations.
Shunryu Suzuki Roshi
Contact
Shunryu Suzuki Youtube
Mailing addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses for various departments at the three practice centers