Reflections of the Self: Zen Practice through Suzuki Roshi’s Teachings, Online 12/1–12/22

Teachers
Practice Center
Date / Time
Dec 1, 2025 / 5:30pm - Dec 22, 2026 / 6:30pm
Event Type
Classes & Extended Courses
Description

The Zoom link to participate in this event will be provided at least 24 hours before it begins. Please call 415-354-0360 if you have any questions.


Four Mondays, December 1–22, 5:30–6:30 pm PT

“By definition, the realization of the Dharma is something totally unexpected, something you have never experienced before…Thus, each moment is a blossoming.” —Dhammadīpā

In this four-week online course, we will explore the Zen understanding of self and non-self as it manifests in contemporary life. Experiencing the breadth and clarity of the teachings, we will study excerpts from Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi and teachings from various Zen Masters, including Dongshan Liangjie and Eihei Dogen.

Join Dhammadīpā, hosted by San Francisco Zen Center, for a deep immersion into Zen practice.

Each session will consist of a pre-recorded Dharma talk and supplementary readings, complemented by a weekly live discussion on Zoom. For the first session, our readings will include excerpts from Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, available for purchase through SFZC’s online store.

Course Weeks:

Week 1 — The Quality of Being
Explore how calm and harmony exist in every situation of daily life. Using the example of washing dishes, you will learn the value of being fully present in any activity, revealing a profound stillness and demonstrating how changes in our lives are opportunities for Dharma realization.

Week 2 — The Study of the Self
Delve into the study of self using teachings from Suzuki Roshi and Master Rinzai. Understand the importance of putting Buddhist teachings into practice and know that our human life is sufficient to experience Buddhanature.

Week 3 — Freedom within Form
Examine freedom within form using Zen teachings. Discover how each moment, though it may seem limited by perceptions and by the body, offers limitless opportunities for freedom and realization.

Week 4 — Facing Problems as Part of Practice
Learn the importance of facing and resolving problems instead of avoiding them. Dhammadīpā will share personal stories about how to use bodily pain and strong emotions as opportunities to deepen Zen practice.

Testimonials:

Dhammadīpā was a wonderful teacher! She covered so much important material in a very approachable way, and her embodied understanding of the teachings made the information very relatable.

I found Dhammadīpā’s teaching style and presentation to be very engaging. She is very knowledgeable and has a strong experiential background.

Recordings:
All course sessions will be recorded, and registered participants will receive temporary access to the recordings for later viewing.

Fee Information
  • Sustaining Level: $224
  • Member (Become an SFZC Member): $202
  • Sliding Scale 1: $134
  • Sliding Scale 2: $56
  • Current SFZC residents and qualified SFZC retirees may attend this course for free. To register, please email onlineprograms@sfzc.org at least 72 hours before the program begins.

Register Online

Or call 415-354-0360.

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