Abbot Tenzen David Zimmerman

Tenzen David Zimmerman is a Sōtō Zen Buddhist priest and teacher in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, with dharma transmission from Soshin Teah Strozer. He currently serves as SFZC’s Central Abbot as well as Abiding Abbot of City Center/Beginner’s Mind Temple.

David has been practicing the Buddhadharma since the early 1990s and has lived and practiced at San Francisco Zen Center for over 26 years, including eight years at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, the oldest Zen monastery in the United States. He was one of five monks who saved Tassajara from a massive wildfire in 2008, as recounted in the book “Fire Monks: Zen Mind Meets Wildfire.” He has also served in various spiritual and administrative roles at SFZC, including Tanto (Head of Practice), Programs Director, and Monastery Director.

David has a Certificate in Zen Ministry from the Shogaku Zen Institute/Priest Training Seminary, is a co-facilitator of SFZC’s Queer Dharma group, and serves as a board member of the San Francisco Interfaith Council. He regularly leads retreats and practice periods, workshops, classes, and online programs at SFZC and other Dharma centers, including on transforming depression and anxiety.