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Shunryu Suzuki and points of interest
in early SFZC Board Notes
 with link to PDF of source and some brief notes on some made in 2013 on this page: SFZC board notes by meeting and year
1962-3 - 1964 - 1965 - 1966 - 1969 - 1970

 

1964

 

January 11

 

64-01-11 - notes

 

Machine generated alternative text: 5) 'i'here is a new schedule for &lnday: zazen is now held from eight to nine a m and lecture by Reverend al suki from nine to ten a m. It was suggested that this be posted -tye Wind?ell. Betty Warren a Iso suggested that therein be posted that the ordinary weekday rule of no zazen on calendar days containing either a four or a nine does not hold on Sunéays. i'hat is, there is always zazen on &mdays, whether it is a four or a nine day or not.

 

 

February 1, 1964

 

64-02-01

 

 Machine generated alternative text: C'EWLA= of the Business Meeting of February 1, 1964. - rasteee Fresent: Grahame ?etchey, Betty Warren, Richard Baker, Jean Ross, Philip Wilson, Al Levinson, Della Members Present: Chests Present: Goertz, Trudy Dixon. Pat Herreshoff, Harold Fore, Pam Paul Alexander, Pauline Fetchey, Claud Dalenburg, Mike Dixon, Norm Stiegelmeyer, Dill Kwong, Girmy Baker. Reverend a.lguld, J.J. Wilson, Sally Baker.

 

 

March 7, 1964

64-03-07 - Katagiri is in Bay Area (from LA). Will stay with [Ira] Price, Jodo Shin Shu priest as I recall. Umada = Yamada; Susuki

 

Machine generated alternative text: Minutes of the Business 1,1eet1ng of March 7 , Present: Reverend Qasuki 1964. Trustees: Philip Wilson, Betty Vlarren, Graham Petchey, Dick Baker, Members : Guests; Jean Ross, Bill Kwong, Mike and TTü6y Dixon. Claud Calenturg, Seiyo Tsuj J.D. Wilson.

 

Machine generated alternative text: 4) next item of business, brought up by Betty Warren, was the scheduling of the next sesshinø The week-end of April 25th and 26th was chosen. Dick Faker asked Reverend a.rsuki if we would not I & to invite Bishop come up from Los Angelos to lead our sesshin this time. Reverend said it was a good idea if he can come. J.J. Wilson said that perhaps there was a main temple holiday during Aoril. If he came at such a time, he could lead the ceremonies for the Jäpaneee congregation too, which, as •asuki pointed out, would please them bert much. However, euch a ceremorv would interrupt the guncay of sesshin, thug short,- ening further an already short seeshin. Financially, it would help Zen Center; Secause the Japanese group would help pay EiEhop Pdmadais expenses, but for the sake of a continuous sesshin, it would be better to invite him for a non-hol- ray week-end. Thus April 25th and 26th was decided upon, rather than April 12th which is Buddha t e birthday. If it is agreeable to Bishop

 

Machine generated alternative text: 5) The presid ent then brought up the next item of business, which concerned Reverend Katag•iri, who is now in San Francisco a Susuki said that he will now- Ze living this area and would like to help ue from time to æimet but Zhat at the moment he needs some finan- clau help. Jean Ross mentioned the great help he extended to her in Japan, what a strong and good person he was, and how fortunate we were to hi,ve him here. said that one could not ask for a better sist,ant for Reverend Susuki. At oregent he is staying at Reverend Price's, where he does not have to pay rent. 'fle also received offers to stay with them if he needs too from Grahame Petchey and Reverend Katagiri is still z member of the Los Angelos temple, but both Bishop Umada and the Soto head-quarters approved his coming to San Francieco in order to further his study of English. Reverend eas- uki said he would have to consult further with Bishop ümada to see if Reverend Katagiri could stay on here as an assistant. Philip Wilson suggested we vote an irmediate emergency fund of 100 dollars to help him out at present. Dick Baker made a resolution to that effect, second ed by Grahame Petchey, and the vote carried.

 

Machine generated alternative text: The next item of business was the matter of the basis for member- ship in Zen Center. Dick Baker recommendee that perhaps it be taken off a financial basis at all, and that prospective members just come to a meeting and be voted in by æmbers.. Perhaps there should be some kind of minimum pledge, since the main voting i esueg concern the delegation of Zen Center funds. Reverend Susuki was asked how the Japanese group decided membership. He.. said that if they contributed $10.00 a year, then they were considered members and could vote. It was gene 11 felt by those present that this would b good plan for Zen Centernme:n ership. Philip Wilson pointed out tha em ere in Zen Center is a purely practical affair. You do not have to bee er to sit at the Zenäo or attend sesshins. &mbership just indicates that you wiehß to hemp Zen Center financially) and if you likewise attend meetings, to help it carry out its practical business. active members is neceseary, Dick Baker pointed out, at euch a time when some critical financial issue ooaes up, and only active members should vote. (I.e. under the plan being considered, only those contributing $10.00 or moÉe a year). Anyone can come to Zen Center Ipeet- ings if they are interested. And certainly those who plan to attend sesshm for example, should be allowed to vote as to its scheduling, etc 0 it would only be if some critical issue that involved perhaps the spending of a coneiderable sum of money arose, that it would be asked before the vote that only Zen Center members vote, ( though of course ideas and discussion from everyoocy would be welcome 0 ) Dick Baker suggested that the Constitution should be checked to see what change of worä ng would be necessary, and that we should vot

 

 

March 21, 1964

Saturday

 

64-03-21 - Suzuki announces Katagiri is definitely staying on as his assistant.

Machine generated alternative text: : Reverend 32suki, ?.everend Kataairi trustees: Philip 1.711 eon, Betty T'larren, Graham Petchey, Riehard 11 Kwong, Mike Dixon Baker, jean Ross, Members: Della Gærtz I) This meeting was called by Reverené Susuki in order to announcé that Reverend Katagiri would eefintely be joining Sokoji Temple as an - geietant priest. Zen Center v:anted to contribute to the support of such a welcome addition, and it was felt that $150.00 a month would suffice. A discussion followed about to how to meet this.

 

Sunday 3-22

 

Machine generated alternative text: 1.7 here was further discussion of what should constitute membership ane voting It was agreed as was decided the day before, that to be a member of Zen Center it is necessary to contribute at least $10.00 a year, b',it that to be a voting member further qualifica— Lione should be necéseary. It was felt that voting members should be in eorne way active participants in the aff2irs of the Center.. It v:as therefore euggested that to be a voting member, a zen Center member participate actively in the zeninistrzt,ive functions of the Center Idr at leaet two months. This means in effect that 'ae attend at -tonthly least two -regular business meet,irce after filling out hie pledge. A Z'..'_alification considered was his- voting-priv*ége be in some way dependent upon the approval of Reverend 31stki. Dick E?.ker pointed out •that, it would cui te possible for some group to take over zen or so attend several Center simply by having- a half a cozen One way to avoid such a conc.ingency ou1d be to heve nee tangs . ceruire the enöorsement of Reverend AnotlE r vozlng -nembersl,ip and preferabl'way would be give the Board of Trustees the power to veto arv vote made at a general meeting, and have the approval of Rev. åasuki necessary for the notiinatlon of trustyees. This latter suggestion would do away with the need to have all voting members eo approved ( which incur unnecesearv embarasement or triviality..) It was felt that instances wherein the voting power would be abused could be very rare, but that it would be wise to take care of such an eventuality imadvance.

 

 

 April 11, 1964

 

64-04-11 - East Wind Printers to do Wind Bells from then on.

 

Machine generated alternative text: 3 Trudy Dixon read a new letter from Mr. Moran, who had written regarding the possibility of doing a program of music at the Sokoji Auditorium In his second le±ter he stated that he would simply Like to show hi 3 program for Zen Center. Reverend Suzuki suggested that he be notified to contact Hirano) who is in charge of the auditorium and arrange a date 4) grahame Petchey reported that Reverend Price had reques ted that Len Center participate in the Wesak Service to be held in the Shin Temple the first week in may. Reverend Price wants our group to say a chant or sutra. Reverend Suzuki said that there should be more consuLtation wi th Reverend Price before deciding what to do about this service. 5) Richard Baker suggested that we start morning zazen fifteen minutes earlier each day in order to allow those who have to leave early to say the sutra before going. Reverend Suzuki said that it was all right if you had to leave ear L y, and that it would be beg t to leave it aa it iB for a little while longer at least.

 

 

May 2, 1964

 

64-05-02

 

Machine generated alternative text: 3) Under new business, Trudy Dixon suggested that for future sesshins sandwiches and soup be served for the Iridday Gal to cut down on and confusion in the kitchen. She felt that the enphasis should be on simple realg quickly prepared, and said that kitchen service was for her person— ally at least, often a strain. Revernéd Suzuki said that this was quite usual, and that vas in monasteries in Japan, only the most sincere students were put on kitchen duty. He said that for sesshins which include a Sunday, it my be better to prepare sinple meal in advance, as often the Japanese group uses the kitchen on that day. But for other days, the general feeling of the group was that a regular should be prepared for lunch as has been done in the past. Jean Ross, hoæver, suggested that one person be put in charge of assign— ing duties in the kitchen. She let people mow well in advance when they would be needed, and arrange so that no more than the necessary number be in the kitchen at any one tine, (perhaps three or four to prepare the real, and uaen when the gong sounds, others would conæ to help serve it.) Jean also felt that a good person to be so in charge would be Betty Warren who has done such excellent job in managing kitchen affairs in the past. It was generally felt that a greater enphasis on quiet in the kitchen would be commendable. Dick Baker suggested that npn be included in kitchen staffing, though not on the levels of cormnand. Philip Wilson felt just the opposite; Jean Ross felt that, one way or the other, the presence of a male in the kitchen contributed a certain stabilizing influence. At any rate, the person in charge would decide upon who was necessary at any one tine and let them

 

Machine generated alternative text: 11) zuk announceC z Soto Zen Conference erey S.F. to be held T, California on to v;hlch we should 1 plan to attend if poesibleo for room (would hold two) and food. for L.A June 6th 7th Zhe coet 'u; our. be 12) The 'Resak Ceremony celebrating 2uéChats birth,znlighteæent, and 'Tirvana, planned far May 24th by Reverend Erice was discussed. It to be determined if and -to what extent Zen Center should particip te. 3-tzuki and Philip Wilson agreed to go and talk to Reverend Frice more m 1 Iy abut his plans.

 

 

June 13, 1964

 

64-06-14

 

Machine generated alternative text: gait that because of the 1) Reverend Temple, woulö have to change the date of decaee that, August 10th through Aaguet 16th Baker eald he v:tuld it definite in the 30th anniversary for Sokoji the week seeehin. It was would be best date. r_ext, Wind Bell.

 

Machine generated alternative text: 4) aeverer_d Susu<i Xt brought up ect of letter never- le buildirc• who to there. ye needs .$I,C35.CC v-ant,s to have several Sokcji me.mbere . the Eoard of' ssa felt that it is a good idea to haue a-f place to go as z retre.4+„, as in England. Phi 1 {p i'.!ileon was e ubious because of the t i stance from hereijl but en— couragee by hi s move towart Sokoji. E hi Zip felt that 't:e should cert— ainly encourage hia, ane rive some money, not get involved legaliy. Claude suggesteC turning the "ousinees over to the Y. E. A. Reverend eaiC that he will consult with Bishop Yamada; it is less a matter of the money, than of the Rever— end MacDonough is a Soto Pri est. Dave Hazelwood felt that it would be beet to give to show good will, but perheps not became invol- vee in the organization. Philip felt that it was re cessary to conéider the Monterey group too, ane that perhaps the should be South sp that they could participate. It was eciC.2t to send a letter to Rev. YacÜonouch5 our support of retreat there, and sending Q doaætiong of $40. CC from Zen Laze? A euggest the but not In x,his letter.

 

 

August 1, 1964

 

64-08-01 - As for the number of Buddhists at the time, I tend to agree with the article in the paper which said there were 4000 in San Francisco. This was doubted by some at the meeting but think of all the Asians and non-affiliated. I'd guess more than 4k.

Machine generated alternative text: 3) New Buéiness; Frank Jonas ggesteC that Zen Center start a study group and gave as an example Douglas Burns t a H.inayana group, which meets regularly for group scussions. Possibly in fh„'ture he felt that the study grou zen Center might form) could Yave speakers come too. Phillip pointed out that Zen Center has a meet-ing each Wednesday evening for study of the Hekigan Roku or Blue Cliff keccyds book, but Frank said that What he had in mind was a more informal gathering that was not a lecture, but a group discussion. He requested permission to start one and to have it announced in the next issue of the Wind Bell. Jean suggested ae a starter that all t.hoee intereeted should come to the Temple at 6 p.m. , the following August 5, and meét to go out to cupper at a Japanese restaurant, where they could talk around the table. Reverend al zuki E aid that if, in the future* we are able to use the northwest corner of the balcony for a then it could be used for discussions too. It needs light, however, and it may cost ae mch as $500.00 to put in a window. Grahame suggested that someone make a thorough study of the totÄL cost before the Center should try and decide whether it was a possible pro; ect or not, and Silas volunteered to do this. Arm Combs pointed out that if it is arywhere near that expensive, Zen Center should not consider It, since we are to move to a nav temple in several years. Phil Lip caid that meanwhile we ehoulé. proceed the 1 i brary and use electricity ae there are cutlets there. . Zhe discussion salt that She and Mike would

 

Machine generated alternative text: 4) Z'ruäy then read a list of sesshin regulations for on the Zune tin board. Betty Warren felt that some on about clcthes should be i rcluded was done in the past list printed in the CJ1y—Auguet WindEe11 of laet Clothes should p.ot be too tright•. holes the stocklrgs should be eschewed, and women should wear wide eldrts. I-len also night most beneficial to wear loose-fitting trousers. Rev. find Suzuki felt that cldthing should be clean ane tidy. Irene Horowitz, 'Mho {s e. visitor vdth us for awhile from the First zen Institute in New York City, said that there they have stand— ard sitting—robes, imported from Japan, at 2 cost of $12,00 each; they were of stiff beavy cotton; each member had his own, which he kept at the Temple to use at his own option. Reverend aazuki said t he and Reverend Katagiri hae diecugged the poeeibility of me kind of skirt to be available for either women or men who might need them. Many problems are involved foi' zen Ceri er: woulä we make them or buy them? what style? where to store them where to change Into them? etc. The question of standard •sitting clothing Cor. Zén Center was set aside for the nature , when, possibly; answers to these problems may present themselves e

 

Machine generated alternative text: 5) irene Edrowitz aeked about the story in the newspaper the evening before, a copy of which had beep pitmeä on the board. It concerned recent visit from the taries Of Kamakura University. Irene mad two questions; wera they indeed Zen Masters as the paper reported, and was it -réA11Y• true that. •at the present there are -4,000 practicing Zen PutdhistS ih San. Francisco, whIeh the* paper also asserted. AS to the q {Omer question, Reverend / aizuk± said that the president of the Vüåüer— sit,y was åIso a Zen master; thät the other gentleman was- the Dean, and the third a priest. As to the latter question, it was Simply not' true that there are 4,000. Frank Jonas also pointed out that there was also an error in what they said about ng lectures at Christian cmrches. geverer,e aazuki said that it was &20Et impossible to båve correct on printed, because of the great liability for misunderstanding. He said frat publicity Ig but that we should not discuss it to-O rmeh, and if it comes out ruaong, we ear; only ignore it; whatevår they: say, they what important is always to. preserve 'the constant right way. 'Prank _ saiä he felt we 3_zard false publicity; Grahame pointed out that we have a public. re— lations manager, but it IS not always possible on the spur at the moment to arrange to have her there, and reporters talk to- anywone. Reverend azzuld said it wag almost impossible to guard agånst it; each time there "is une :nietake, so if we concern ourselves about it too m'dCh it may just be a waste of time. Grahene point— ed out 'Ohat at leaet it is a good idea to write it out, EO that we rave a record of what we have reported before they edit. Reverend Suzuki said t?at, It be better just to keep silentl 6) neverend Sazuki, in answer to a questi on from Betty, said that to from be from am it woulé for those sleeping- in which cage

 

 

September 12, 1964

 

64-09-12 - "Rev. Suzuki suggested as another way of raising money the possibility of Z.C. sponsoring a movie benefit, but he also felt that the primary concern of ZC was not to raise more money but to study more Buddhism. That was where our time and effort should go."

"Notice by Reverend Suzuki of his forthcoming trip to Boston to visit Elsie Mitchell in Cambridge."

Machine generated alternative text: 3) The Old mtBineegs -ef the day eoncerned the making •f the west corner ef the theatre balcony ef Sekoåi Tenple int. a ii>raÉy for Zen Center. "her library I.eatlonø (guck ae tie Zen.lkai the storage room the left of"the Zemkai Room, the basement, the organ, public librariee at large) were guceeted, •f its rexiniiy t' Reverend g office the A-in er Zen genter traffic, the balconwcørner was e•nd dered the "at site, despite formidable renovation diffieultleg. Chief anon' the latter were the dual preblems of aduqzate room ari light. Adequate

 

Machine generated alternative text: 4) Under •y hsinees, the firet item wag a Bicestion by Ernie Davin to raise for Zen Center by putting on a bazaar jointay with the Japanese We could, fer example, have 50<—- -a—plate dinners, booths, etc in the auditoriu• •f Sokojl with the seats removed. The desirability of such would not enl-y be the funds raised, ao Pat pointed out, it be sonething the Japanese and Caucasian groups could share in, bringing then closer together ( an "J ective mck dÉ cussed at tb Aeil•ur Cortereæe ef last su—er) Ewever,- after sue diggugg— ion it wag genera Iy felt tut at lett at the present such a plan was not feaeible for Zen Center. was because of the k_ßk tine enough people te do although should the Japanese eong•ezaå on initiate such a ture, we would be te help we could. Phillip also felt that want such as an habitual way of 001 lecting money, Grahue pointed out tkt we are not all that meh in the hole; even if we are net saving, we are at least •eeting e.engee. Reverend suggested as another way of raising money the pegsiMIity ef Z.C. gp•ngerlng a revie benefit, ht. he •180 felt that the prizaw c.ncern of Z.c• wae net raise more money ht t. study •ere wag where ouÉ tine effort *ouId go. If we lack noney, it is better rather thn trying to rd ee rere, t. cut off expenseø. The traditional way iB to add more water the gruel. Irene did egest tht we could. have smaller breakfasts:

 

 Machine generated alternative text: 5) The meeting with D •e •iseellaneeue business a suzgegå on that the kiehen be wa*ea, which Diek,who hag perfomed the operation sueceB8fuIiy in the past, v.luneered t' decision to held the next eesshin •n Septenber a suggestion that an announcement •f each meeting p•eteä •n the one week in advane•, aM that the preeen of •n the first •f each month held t', unle B notice%anceilatien ene week in advance; notice by Reverend S_tzuki •f his forthuning trip t' Bosun t. visit Elsie Mitchell in Cambridge.

 

 

October 3, 1964

 

64-10-03

 

 Machine generated alternative text: 2) Under old business, Trudy said •that the aha and Mike han hoped t.' get to work en the library corner of the bal coney wag not able to de it. There was another possibility knew ef in Sausalito who might be able to do it for 3. CO or $3.50/h. suggested that before hiring, we should nake a centraet with the carpenter via his estimate of amount of tine it would i rvolve. Reverend S.zzuki suggested a Japanese cÜpenter, Okada, who be aue to do it, or at least might he willing to look at the make an estimate of what It would invo> e. Seiyo went over in the middle of the meetirz to try contact Mr. Okada, but, was unsuccessN1. Reverend Sazukl said he would get in touch with him.

 

 Machine generated alternative text: 4) Irene aeked ae the next item of re-w if bbne of storage place for clothee could not arranged for at pogsibly the closet in the zendo, a hx or chest the TeQIe in the room off the kitchen or a bureau in the basement. Ae Reverend azzuki Ind no objection, Ireæ Jean said that they would work scnething out.

 

64-11-07 - Chick Reeder is at the meeting. In response to a query for something from Chick for cuke, he responded with this which is posted in cuke interviews. Mike Dixon does the minutes and makes mistakes in the spelling of his own name more than once.

 

December 12, 1964

 

64-12-12

 

 Machine generated alternative text: Old Business: The Library: (1) (2) (3) brochures arrived: price lists of cards, etc. Remodel ling: no estimate yet; also not known how long it will be pos ble Co occupy this building perhaps 4 or 5 years, so remodel 1: should not be too expensive. Cabinet. Jean Ross bolunteered to Look in Second hand stores for inexpensive cabinet. As for best location for cabinet when pur- chased, fol Lowing suggestions made and consented to by Rev. Suzuk along East wall of office, in meditation hall behind door, under bulletin board.

1962-3 - 1964 - 1965 - 1966 - 1969 - 1970