Work and Right Livelihood

Me Elliott speaks: An exploration of our personal stories regarding work, the intentions behind them, and the moment-to-moment practice of liberation through our livelihood.  We'll also investigate the tension between seeking our true vocation, and finding the possibility of awakening in any work, no matter how mundane.

Anger and Lovingkindness

Siobham Cassidy talks about how Anger has a surprising purpose and can be used as a guide to point to needs that are not being met. Through this lens we can connect more deeply with ourselves, leading to self-understanding and self-compassion. Lovingkindness is the pathway that will be used during YUZ to help cultivate understanding of this powerful human energy.

Realizing Impermanence

It was through a deep realization of impermanence that Zen Master Dogen, the founder of Soto Zen in Japan, decisively committed to practicing the Way. Here, Kodo Conlin discusses the practice of the perception of impermanence, locating it within our lives today in San Francisco, within our seated meditation practice, and within the body-&-mind of each of us.

Orienting to the Path of Practice

In our style of Zen, first, we meditate. "If you want to attain suchness, you should practice suchness without delay." And yet, what is the broader landscape of practice? Is there a wider context in which our meditation is held?

In this talk, Kodo Conlin explores the question of how we can orient ourselves, continually, on the path of practice.

What Matters Most

Mei Elliott discusses what matters most. Knowing that many of us can easily get consumed by the minutiae of daily life, how do we connect to what really matters? How can meditation practice support us in finding and living with a larger vision? 

No Attainment, No Goal

If Zen embraces "No Attainment", how will I ever solve my problems? How will I get anywhere?

Michael McCord explores how goal setting, accomplishment and self-improvement line up with a Zen approach to life. 

Michael McCord recently served as shuso (head monk) at City Center, is a Zen priest, and works as the SFZC Program Director. To learn more about Michael, you can view his bio here.

Practical Karma

Here, Kodo Conlin approaches the teachings on karma, not as complicated abstractions, but as simple pointings, revealing a process that is clearly visible in our direct experience. How can we discern this process? And, how can it inform our Dharma practice, on and off the cushion?

Authenticity and Right Speech

Mei Elliott speaks on the topic of skillful communication and right speech grounded in the Buddhist teachings of not-self. How can we cultivate freedom in our relationships with others through honest and authentic dialogue? We investigate how zazen practice supports us in speaking with authenticity and ease, as well as different tools for knowing when and what to express.

Intimacy with Intimacy: Exploring Love, Relationships and Attraction

Mei Elliott explores intimacy with intimacy. How can we be free in the midst of love, romance, dating, commitment, and attraction? What is the relationship between practice and sexuality? American culture has a notable dearth of education on what authentic and awake relationship and sexuality can look like. With Valentine's Day rapidly encroaching, we'll have a chance to explore the way self-study, this process of becoming intimate with ourselves, provides a gateway to liberated love.

Death and the New Year

Simon Moyes shares some of his experiences of the last 2 months and explores the immediacy of life to mark NYD:

As many of you know my father has been declining for a couple of years, and about 7 weeks ago I got a call saying that he was entering a new stage of departure. I flew to England and spent a couple of weeks with him before he passed. It was a remarkable time in so many ways, and also of course at times intense. There are many facets to how his passing is informing me, and one of them is the vibrancy of being alive. I look forward to exploring it with you on New Years Day.