San Francisco Zen Center Dharma Talks

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.

Given by Doshin Dan Gudgel at City Center on September 26th, 2026
Doshin Dan Gudgel offers gratitude to our Buddhist and personal ancestors, who have made it possible for us to practice, and who were just human beings like us.

Given by Anlor Davin at City Center on September 23rd, 2026
Anlor Davin examines the Zen teaching of “not knowing is most intimate” and from her perspective as an autistic Zen priest, adds that not-knowing is also friendly.

Given by Gengyoko Tim Wicks at Green Gulch Farm on September 20th, 2026
Gengyoko Tim Wicks explores the experience of awe, the Satipatthana Sutra—an important Theravadan sutra—and the relationship of both awe and this sutra to Zen practice.