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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

1965

 

January 16

65-01-16 - "Also with respect to the Wind Bell, Dick suggested that we publish Reverend Suzuki's lectures contained therein as a book." This is the earliest reference I know of to creating a book. Prior to reading this, the first was Marian Derby telling Suzuki she'd like to record his lectures to make a book. The first known transcript from Los Altos recordings is July 8, 1965.

Machine generated alternative text: 2) Sizuki reported that he had talk-ed to a carpenter and that it is not go expensive to open a window for the library on the balcorv after all. The coet would be about $60.00 and it could be Cone in one day. It was also sugg— ested that perhaps the carpenter could build us a bookcase too. Dick moved that we a�thorize him to do so; the motion was seconded by Jean and passed unanimously. It wag agreed that instead of locking the that the door to �le balcow could be locked with Revererd a-Izuk� of the key. The "library comitteen ( Jean, Pat, Trudy) would decide abuuG ehe checking out system. Rev. S. said we could use the bookcase downstairs instead of m�ing one 3) The next item of business was the February segshin which was scheduled for February 13th. 4) Claude suggested that in the next Wind Ben we ask for contributions of books for the new library. Al eo with resoect to the Yind Bell, Dick suggested that we publish Reverend arzuki's lectureg contained therein a book

 

 

February 6, 1965

65-02-06 - Discussion at the end Dick Baker suggests students contribute $1 a month toward the new temple. Claude Dalenberg asks what role the Zen Center would play in the new temple and Shunryu Suzuki says it might be best to have a separate building then Dick suggests they start a building fund for the ZC and the motion carried.

Machine generated alternative text: contributing $1.00 per month the new temple. There was discussion about the meane of collecting the •.noney whet.tE r an additional dollar should be given with the monthly contribution, or whether the dollar Should be donated separately. Claude also asked what role Zen Center would play in the new temple. Reverend 31zuki said that it might be best to have a separate building for Zen Center. Dick Baker made a motion that we egtab— I {sh a "building fund" toward our own future for. En the motion carried .

 

 

March 6, 1965

 

65-03-06 - Lots of Suzuki comments, the last one being he wants more ads to bring people in. Shocking.

 

Machine generated alternative text: Jean Ross called for discussion of a party to be given for Phillip Wilson and Mrs. Suzuki, both of whom will be leaving for Japan in Aoril. Reverend Suzuki said that we could use the zendo for this purpose. niere was some discussion Of whether the Japanese congregation would also participate. No final d�oision was made on this matter. Possible gifts for Phil and Mrs. Suzuki were mentioned inconclusively. Chick, Jean and Madeline volunteered to form a Food Coamittee for the party.

 

Machine generated alternative text: Library expenses were reviewed. Reverend Suzuki said that construction work will come to around $77.00. Betty Warren suggested that a contribution box be left in the library to encourage people to help with expenses. pat Herreshoff made a motion that questions related to library financial problems be referred to the Library Committee for review. The motion carried.

 

Machine generated alternative text: Reverend Suzuki asked for the contribution of a conservatively colored carpet for the library. Pat said she would bring a rug which we could try out. Q Rue Dalenberg asked Reverend Suzuki whether Zen Center members are expected to become members of Sokoji Ten-role Reverend Suzuki replied that he was not corrmitted to any special answer. He exolained that while some Deople were interested in having this �tter clarified, he himself felt indifferent to it. Reverend Suzuki stated that he at first. had the idea that Zen Center as an organization should be separate from the Japanese congregation and that Zen Center ultimately have its own temple. He now feels that the groups understand each other sufficiently so that we can all cooperate together within the same temple. Reverend Suzuki told us that the Japanese congregation is honing to have a new, three floor temple 'Ihe first floor would have offices for rent, which would insure an income. The second and third floors would house rooms for tea ceremony, flower arranging and other classes, and a zendo. However, the present temDIe may be used for a long time since the chance to buy property has not developed as expected. Also, this present temole is not to be demolished as was Originally thought. Reverend Suzuki believes that we can maintain this temple well if everyone helps out. Reverend Suzuki stressed that the basic need is to develop good students who can go out and help found other zen centers and help people in other places to practice zazen and learn about Buddhism. He emphasized that we should not become attached to this, or any other, building. Jean Ross again brought up the matter of the "building fund". It was informally decided that we should put up a sign On the bulletin board requesting contributions to this fund, which would be collected at business meetings. Jean Ross pointed out that the dates for Ai.lgust. week—long sesshin should be selected as soon as passible as Deople need to arrange for their vacation times at work. Tho possibility of the last week in July or the first week in August was discussed. Either week is agreeable with Reverend Suzuki.

 

Machine generated alternative text: Reverend Suzuki thought that this would be a good time to start putting advertisements Of our activities into the Saturday paoers. There was considerable telephone response to the story appearing in the magazine San Francisco and Reverend Suzuki felt that this interest should be followed through with some ads. The members tentatively considered the form of notice to be used, but nothing was decided upon. Reverend Suzuki said that Bishop Yamada had contributed $100.00 for advertising purposes, which should take care of a few ads. Towards the end of the meeting J. J. came in to Say that she would like to give a oarty for Phillip 2nd Yrs. Suzuki and Zen Center members. she learned that we already planned a party in the zendo, she said she would like to plan an additional social function would like to work on the party Conmit�ee.

 

 

April 10, 1965

 

65-04-10 - Hmm. Jean Ross was interviewed on KCBS program Viewpoint on April 9th. Wonder if that's available. Discussion about preserving Suzuki's lectures, recording them. Turns out there's a tape recorder on the premises.

 

Machine generated alternative text: Reverend Suzuki informed us that the Cambridge Buddhist Association of Cambridge, Massachusetts, sent. Zen Center a gift of $100000.

 

Machine generated alternative text: There was a brief discussion about Jean Ross' interview on the radio program Viewnoint on KCBS, April 9th. Jean was conanended for the effective way she handled the interview.

  Machine generated alternative text: Reverend Suzuki showed a letter from Reverend Eugene Wagner regarding a special celebration Of Alddha IS birthday to be held in Golden Gate Park Oriental Gardens on May 9th. Several Buddhist groups will participate in the ceremonies. Irene Horowitz volunteered to convey the information that either Reverend Suzuki or Reverend Katagiri would take part in this celebration.

 

Machine generated alternative text: The nossibility of scheduling certain events, such as Saturday sesshins , two months in advance was proposed. Many persons felt that it was impossible, in light cf all the activities going on at Sokoji, and the demands on Reverend Suzuki 's time, to make conunittments so far in advance. Mike Dixon made the motion that we make greater efforts to see that notices of coming events get into the Wind Bell in time. The motion carried. A suggestion was made and accepted that the Wind Bell carry snecif�c information about zazen sessions in Palo Alto, since they are now being conducted there weekly on a regular basis by Reverend Suzuki. We received fifty conies Of The Wa of Zazen, as ordered, from the Cambridge Buddhist Association. mesewi continue to be on sale at $1 each.

 

Machine generated alternative text: Pat Herreshoff said that she thought the powers of the Library Conmittee should be exnanded to include taking some action to presenre Reverend Suzuki •s lectures, and the lectures of other sneakers. The matter of a tape recorder was discussed and it was disclosed that there is already a tape recorder on the premises. T.QIIIe everyone seemed to agree that taoe recording of the lectures was a good idea, no definite decision to do it was arrived at.

 

Machine generated alternative text: AT MEETING: Reverend Suzuki Trustees : Members : Visi tors : Jean Ross, Graham Petchey, Bill Kwong, Betty Warren, Mike Dixon, Pat Herreshoff, Irene Horowitz Gardner Rust, Sol I'hrcov, Madeline Rule, Melvin Weitzman, Ruth Reid Nora Ross

 

 

 

May 15, 1965

 

65-05-15 - 2nd mention of taping Suzuki lectures

 

Machine generated alternative text: Reverend Suzuki rqorted on a commnication oossible sesshin at Sur between January Most of those present at the meeting agreed would be able to attend from the standpoint cannot conmit ourselves as a group. he had received regarding a 30th, 1966 and February 4th, 1966. that few members Of Zen Center Of time and expense, So we Diek that a different format for Bell publication will be In the offing. There will be monthly n�etter sant out locally, stressing events pertinent to Zen �1ddhism and Zen Center. A larger Bell articles and pictures will appear at intervals. Irene Horowitz brought up the matter of tape recording Reverend Suzu� lectures. Dick Baker thought that a one hour tape would require about six to eight hours of secretarial effort in transcribing the spoken word to paper. Irene and Pat Herreschoff agreed to experiment *ith the of •lectures and typing up from the tape. Irene Horowitz read comminication received from Ceylon. nil s was a tomal request that Zen Center information about itself for inclusion in the nev of World hddhism, edited by G. P. W-alasekera, which is now in the cmpilation stage. Trudy M.xon volunteered to construct an article about Zen Center's history and activities. The next Saturday sesshln was arranged May 29th. Reverend Suzu� remirxled the group of the Wesak Service at the Unitarian Church on May 16th. Towrds the end of the meeting we were joined by Mr. and Mrs. Jock Hearn of Canada, had made a special trip through San Francisco in order to visit Zen Center and meet Reverend Suzuki

 

 

June 5, 1965

 

65-06-05

 

Machine generated alternative text: It was retorted that cheek for $1,000 wag gent to Zen Center in the memory of Hazel Paget Re�i. name of the contzdbutor is not known. A discussion ensued about what to dc with this money. Jean Ross suggested that it be put In the bu�l&ng find. SilAs goads said i t might be used to give partial sunport to a Zen student. Jean also though the money r�ght be used towards bringing a yang priest here Japan. Suzuki asked for $50 of the total sum to be sent to Ahe�ji along 'd th Hazel Reed's ashes, which would be enshrined -theN. Graham Fetchey said that nomission would have to be asked of Hazel's before could be done. It was that the money should be put in the bank and its definite allocation would be decided later. Reverend Suzuki discussed the possibility of Zen Centor purch.sh�ng the house which is for sale on laguna Street. me of financing such a -vanture were analyzed. The possibility of renting an entire house also mentioned. me June gesshin was scheduled for June 26th. Jean Ross read a letter frm a Japanese physics professor who is corning t" tha United States for months. He v�sit San Francisco and Zen Center and oferred to give lecture at Zen Center. Reverend discussed the coming of Various Soto ard R�_nzai Zen dignitaries on June 19th for the %rld Federalists Conference. It is that some of the visitors will come to Sok03i on ected. June 22nd. Asahina Roshi is not coming as

 

 

65-07-03 - A professor from Japan to speak on Zen and science.

 

 

 

August 21, 1965

 

65-08-21 - Richard Gove is Rob Gove unless his name was Richard. The Toni Hansen is Toni Johansen. Still talking about buying a building.

 

Machine generated alternative text: Reverend *nuki that Zen Vaster Rosen vould be visiting San Pps�i.co on September 2nd. i. • aheduled to to Friday tro give a talk are progress take Rosen rakaahlna to dinner at good Japanese re.taaravW. Zen Center E exber. would be able i oin the party if deeired. There wee s discussion about the po.gibllity of eequirlng a eaparata for Zen Center. The house around the c orner on p revicu.ly considered, h.' already been • old. Reverend Suzuki said that one of the Japane.e rz.b�rs of the congregation proposed the d ajaceat the one nov owned on the northea.t e Of ragum and Bush. It not certain whether the Jepene.e conpregation able to buy thi. building. Reverend Suzuki pointed out the 8 dv.ntaeee ct having a c orner h ouzo. The —anner in wh�ah -the arranged ray be ideal for Zen Center'. purpose.. Trudy Dixon talked about the East Bay zendo nov in the proc... of being organized. Volunteer. are needed zoon to palm and do other *ark. St Ia. and Linda volunteered to lend their .ervice. far this project.

 

Machine generated alternative text: BUSINESS ZEN CENTER 11 September L 965 ( (Reverend Suzuki "aa unable to be present Fres ent : because of conducting a memorial service))

 

Machine generated alternative text: Chairman asked for report on possible purchase or house cn Bush Street. Dick Baker reported that caner had already accepted bid another party. Iu view of the constantly increasing attendance ana need for larger place oi the following possibilities were gaggested : Buy property, build small meditation nail. With consent of Japanese congregation, revise main hall of Sokoji for zezen. living and Leaee store—front house meditation. Decision that Lick Baker consult sui table for Reverend

 

 

65-09-11 - Elsie Mitchell's check for Katagiri's family might be because she was grateful to him for his assistance to her in recording the Sounds of Eiheiji six years before. Discussion of advertising locally and nationally that I think never happened.

 

 

October 2, 1965

 

65-10-02 - Rev. Suzuki report on trip to Mass. where Schalks (not Shalk-gotta fix this here and there) propose to build Buddhist temple. Felt that Soto school should have center there. Need to be more effective drum and bell. Bill Kwong to study kinds and prices with him. Claude Dalenberg and Dick Baker to look for real estate possibilities. Gatha by Suzuki in Middle Way report on funeral service for Hazel Paget.

 

Machine generated alternative text: Reverend Suzuki gave a summary or his recent trio to ussacnusetts: Main purpose was to see property at Belmont wnere Schalks propose to build Buddhist temple. Property located noare by bus Braddle— buW. It would take many years to bulla building. Group of people, a mixture or Buddhists and those interestea in Zen Buddnism, need help in terms Of working with them in Lihe area bas possibilities many people IiEe Soto way for its "humanistic n llavcr. Reverend Su— zuki felt that Soto School should have center there, thougn nothing to be dcne immediately. Ine President suggested that we invite Easterners to our week—long sessnin tnis summer. Reverend Suzuki reported that, in returning, he felt the atmosphere in our Zendo to be pretty good, but that there was need lor more effective drum ana bell. After ciscugsion, meeting approvea 01 taking action on this idea and Eresident appointed Bill Kwone- to worK with Rev. Suzuki in a study kinds and prices. Chere was discussion about adapting main hall Sokcji Temple for meditation. Rev. Suzuki felt that thcse in charge of movies would not mind our revisions. Brier discussion of Zen C eater future build— Ing: eithr building shared with Japanese congregation or monastery agreed necessary to keep San Francisco as center. discussed : Claud Dahlenberg appointed to help Baker look real estate possibilities. This committee to be ccmbined witn Bill Kwong's and delegated also to 100k further into main ball possibilities. President reported on beautiful account in "Middle ci funeral service for Hazel Paget, a gatha by Rev. Suzuki. Decision to gubecribe to "Middle Way", al sc to "Young East" .

 

 

November 20, 1965 

 

65-11-20 - I was wrong. Advertising did happen. $20 a month to Prof. Masunaga for Shobogenzo translation. Also Prof. Masunaga will send a lecture each month. Wonder where they are.

 

Machine generated alternative text: Lick Baker reported that advertizements In KEFA relder had brought increased attendance. Dr. Duke reported same ror Veninsula area. The latter a�Dinted to look into further advertizing possibilities. $369. received. $479. expended; assets on hand, #2479. 15. Treasurer's report: Also $275. in fund for Rev. Kat,agiri'g family's arrival; agreed to add $25.00 to make even 5300. Treasurer tc give amount to Rev. Kataglri. Cn matter of drums And bells, Rev. —Suzuki advised that drum would cost about $570.00 With 850.00 additional shipping cost. It was decided that this would be a suitable occasion for dra.:�ing on the Hazel Eaget Memorial Fcmd, and auth— Orization was given to purchase In regard to revigLng main ball for zazen purposes, Rev. SuzuKi reported that basic revision would be needed; Dick Baker urged student participation to reduce costs. New Business It decided next Sesshin would be December 11, next business meeting Dec. Id Matter of increase in our financial contribution toward eacn priest was brought up; aecision ta E.ostpone until i 01 lowing meeting. Ways and means of raising needed money discussed decision to post signs on bulletin board, one in regard to Sessnin contributicns, and one permanent one to be posted by Also decision have taeaitional p late not passed bat at door on Sundays. With regard to Fiofessor Masunaga, who is .'.crking on translation of Genz was sugges Led by Rev. Suzuki that we send $20.00 per mcntn in support 01 the translator, in turn will send a lecture (in English) each month. voted .

 

 

December 18, 1965

 

65-12-18 - Love the budget figures being discussed. And here's an early mention of Zen Macrobiotics: "Rev. Katagiri brought up the inadvisability of the so-called Zen diet which has nothing to do with Zen. Members of meeting agreed but did not come to a decision on how to handle the matter." Notice that Gordon Geist is at the meeting. More on him later.65-05-15 - More discussion of tape recording Suzuki's lectures.

 

Machine generated alternative text: Vice Fresident reported that at small meeting of trustees it was decic� that there were insulficient funds for an adequate increase in priests salaries; decision to wait for 6 months. General discussicn about subject; decigea to contribute $10. apiece T.cre per mcnth with re—con— sideraticn Ln 5 months' time. So moved; motion carried. in regard to purchase of a dram, Eeverena Suzuki advised that ae was qonsulting with a friend in Japan tc assure good g uality. Purchase take place in January. In regard to revision or Sokoji 'lemoLe Lor i acreased meditation space, Reverend Suzuki advised small revieions rather than drastic ane: poss- Said ibly opening 2nd balcony and +evisi.nE 1st balcony by Iowering it. Japanese congregation plans 5 story buiLdLnR, the lirst flocr a �nre , 2nd I Ioor meditation, 3rd floor would be quarters for the In revising Sokoji, ahieh can probably be occupied for 5 yeas, priests. Subject to be re—considered at next meeting student help saculd be used. New Business Considering Christmas ...lay, it was decided to have meditation only, withou Decisicn tc have next meeting cn JaniAary 8th, farther activities. Sesshin on January 15th. Reveren� Katagiri brought up the inadvisability of the so—called Zen diet il�embers of meeting agreed, but did.zot which na� nothing to do with Zen. come tc a decision on how t:. handle the x.atter.

 

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