Hartford Street Zen Center
The Hartford Street Zen Center, also known by its temple name Issan-ji, is a Soto Zen practice center located in San Francisco's Castro district. It holds historical significance as the site of the first Buddhist hospice in the United States, Maitri Hospice, established to care for individuals dying of AIDS.
Key Facts
- ›Founded as the Gay Buddhist Club in 1980, it evolved into the Hartford Street Zen Center (HSZC).
- ›Established Maitri Hospice in 1987, the first Buddhist hospice in the United States for AIDS patients.
- ›The center offered up to nine hospice beds for terminally ILL individuals.
- ›Notable abbots include Issan Dorsey, Zenshin Philip Whalen, and the current Abbot, Rev. Myo Denis Lahey.
- ›The hospice facility was later relocated and expanded in 1997.
- ›It is a Soto Zen practice center.
Important Relationships
- San Francisco Zen Center
Maitri Hospice
- Establishment of Maitri Hospice In 1987
- Relocation and Expansion of Maitri Hospice In 1997
About Hartford Street Zen Center
The Hartford Street Zen Center, known by its temple name Issan-ji, is a Soto Zen Buddhist practice center located in the vibrant Castro district of San Francisco, California. It is historically significant for its pioneering role in Buddhist social services, particularly through the establishment of Maitri Hospice.
History and Mission
Originating from The Gay Buddhist Club in 1980, the center was profoundly shaped by Issan Dorsey, who became Abbot in 1989. Under his leadership, the Hartford Street Zen Center (HSZC) expanded its mission to address critical community needs. In 1987, the center opened Maitri Hospice, which was the first Buddhist hospice of its kind in the United States, dedicated to providing compassionate care for individuals dying of AIDS. For a period, the center leased adjacent property to house the sick, eventually offering nine hospice beds for those in extremis.
Leadership and Evolution
Following Issan Dorsey's passing in 1990, the center saw several leadership transitions. Kijun Steve Allen served as Abbot for one year, after which the renowned Beat-era poet Zenshin Philip Whalen assumed the abbacy in 1991, serving until his retirement in 1996 due to ill health. By 1997, Maitri Hospice had outgrown its original location and was moved to a larger, purpose-built facility at Church and Duboce Streets in San Francisco, capable of accommodating fifteen residents. Practice at Issan-ji continued under the guidance of Rev. Ottmar Engel until 2001. After an interregnum managed by the Board of Directors, Rev. Myo Denis Lahey was invited to serve as Practice-Leader and was later installed as the current Abbot of HSZC in October 2013.
Current Practice
As of October 2013, Rev. Myo Denis Lahey leads the Hartford Street Zen Center. The center continues its Soto Zen practice, building on a legacy of spiritual community and compassionate service.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hartford Street Zen Center?
The Hartford Street Zen Center, known as Issan-ji, is a Soto Zen Buddhist practice center situated in the Castro district of San Francisco. It is recognized for its historical role in providing care for those with AIDS.
What is the significance of Maitri Hospice?
Maitri Hospice was established by the Hartford Street Zen Center in 1987, marking the first Buddhist hospice of its kind in the United States. It provided care for individuals diagnosed with AIDS.
Who were some notable leaders at the Hartford Street Zen Center?
Key figures associated with the center include Issan Dorsey, who transitioned it from The Gay Buddhist Club to its current form, and Zenshin Philip Whalen, a noted poet who served as Abbot. The current Abbot is Rev. Myo Denis Lahey.
When was the Hartford Street Zen Center founded?
The center originated as The Gay Buddhist Club in 1980, and evolved into the Hartford Street Zen Center under the guidance of Issan Dorsey, who became Abbot in 1989.
Where is the Hartford Street Zen Center located?
The Hartford Street Zen Center is located in the Castro district of San Francisco, California.
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