Berkeley Zen Center
Berkeley Zen Center (BZC), officially known as Shogakuji, is a Sōtō Zen Buddhist practice center in Berkeley, California, founded in 1967 as an affiliate of the San Francisco Zen Center. It serves as a residential center for priests, students, and lay practitioners, offering a full schedule of Zen services and teachings.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1967 by Hakuryu Sojun Mel Weitsman and Shunryu Suzuki.
- ›Originally an affiliate temple of San Francisco Zen Center.
- ›Relocated to its current dedicated temple on Russell Street in 1979.
- ›Houses resident priests, students, and lay practitioners.
- ›Offers a full schedule of Zen services, student talks, dharma talks, and zazen.
- ›Led by Shinchi Linda Galijan and Zenshin Greg Fain since 2024.
Important Relationships
- San Francisco Zen Center
- Shunryu Suzuki
- Hoitsu Suzuki
- Hozan Alan Senauke
- Laurie Senauke
- Zenkei Blanche Hartman
- Kushin Seisho Maylie Scott
- Founded As An Affiliate of San Francisco Zen Center In 1967.
- Relocated To A Dedicated Temple On Russell Street In 1979.
About Berkeley Zen Center
Berkeley Zen Center (BZC), officially named Shogakuji (祥岳寺, Shōgaku-ji), is a Sōtō Zen Buddhist practice center situated in Berkeley, California. Established in 1967, it was founded by Hakuryu Sojun Mel Weitsman and Shunryu Suzuki as an affiliate temple of the San Francisco Zen Center.
History and Practice
BZC began its journey in a house on Dwight Way. Hakuryu Sojun Mel Weitsman became the abbot in 1985, having received Dharma transmission from Shunryu Suzuki's son, Hoitsu Suzuki. In 2021, Weitsman's Dharma heir, Hozan Alan Senauke, assumed the role of abbot and resided on-site with his wife and fellow ordained Zen priest Laurie Senauke until his passing in 2024. The center relocated to its current dedicated temple on Russell Street in 1979. This facility serves as a residential center for priests, students, and lay practitioners.
Community and Offerings
The Berkeley Zen Center maintains an active community and offers a comprehensive schedule of activities. These include Zen services, student talks, dharma talks, and zazen (seated meditation). The center has also been a formative place for practitioners like Zenkei Blanche Hartman, who received Dharma transmission from Sojun Mel Weitsman in 1988, and Kushin Seisho Maylie Scott, who taught at the center after receiving transmission from Weitsman.
Leadership
Since 2024, the leadership of Berkeley Zen Center has been held by Shinchi Linda Galijan and Zenshin Greg Fain.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Berkeley Zen Center founded?
The Berkeley Zen Center was founded in 1967 by Hakuryu Sojun Mel Weitsman and Shunryu Suzuki. It began as an affiliate temple of the San Francisco Zen Center.
Where is the Berkeley Zen Center located?
The Berkeley Zen Center is located in Berkeley, California. It moved to its dedicated temple on Russell Street in 1979.
What kind of Buddhist practice takes place at Berkeley Zen Center?
Berkeley Zen Center is a residential Sōtō Zen Buddhist practice center. It offers a full schedule of Zen services, student talks, dharma talks, and zazen.
Who are some notable figures associated with Berkeley Zen Center?
Notable figures include founders Hakuryu Sojun Mel Weitsman and Shunryu Suzuki. Zenkei Blanche Hartman received Dharma transmission from Weitsman, and Kushin Seisho Maylie Scott also taught at the center after receiving transmission from him.
What is the official temple name of Berkeley Zen Center?
The official temple name of Berkeley Zen Center is Shogakuji, written as 祥岳寺 in Japanese.
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The San Francisco Zen Center (SFZC), established in 1962 by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi and his American students, is a prominent Sōtō Zen organization in the West. Its City Center, also known as Beginner's Mind Temple, is a key practice and retreat center within this network, which also includes Tassajara Zen Mountain Center and Green Gulch Farm Zen Center. SFZC has played a significant role in introducing and developing Zen Buddhism in the United States.
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