Sojun Mel Weitsman

Senior Dharma Teacher
Sojun Mel Weitsman

Sojun Mel Weitsman began practice at the old Sokoji Temple in San Francisco in 1964 with Shunryu Suzuki Roshi. He received priest ordination from Suzuki Roshi in 1969 at Berkeley Zendo, which he founded in 1967 with Suzuki Roshi's blessing. In 1984, he received Dharma Transmission from Suzuki Roshi's son, Hoitsu Suzuki Roshi. From 1988 to 1997, he was co-abbot of San Francisco Zen Center. He taught at all three SFZC temples and was abbot of Berkeley Zen Center until his death.

Sojun passed away on January 7, 2021. See The Great Leap blog for his memorial, photos, and other information.