Zoketsu Norman Fischer

Norman Fischer

Norman Fischer has played a significant role in the development of Zen practice in the United States since the late 20th century. He began his formal Zen training in the 1970s at the San Francisco Zen Center, one of the leading institutions for Zen Buddhism in the West. In 1988, he was ordained as a priest by Sojun Mel Weitsman and later served as co-abbot of the San Francisco Zen Center from 1995 to 2000.

In 2000, Fischer founded the Everyday Zen Foundation, emphasizing the application of Zen principles to everyday activities and addressing contemporary issues. His teachings have integrated traditional Zen with modern concerns, such as social justice, interfaith dialogue, and the challenges of modern life.

Fischer’s work as a poet, with influences from both Buddhist teachings and Western literary traditions, has further enriched his contributions to Zen practice. His poetry and writings have bridged the gap between spiritual practice and artistic expression, offering new ways to engage with Zen in daily life.

Fischer’s influence extends through his writings, lectures, and active involvement in adapting Zen for broader audiences while maintaining a deep respect for its historical roots. His work reflects a blend of traditional Zen training and innovative approaches to spiritual practice. - bio from ChatGPT

Bio on Wikipedia

See all of Norman's books on his website or on Amazon. Here are a few titles—there are many more books on Zen, poetry, Buddhism, Judaism, and working with youth.:

Poetry

Being-Time: A Practitioner's Guide to Dogen's Shobogenzo Uji, by Shinshu Roberts, forward by Norman Fischer (2018)

Norman wrote the introduction to Mitsu Suzuki's A White Tea Bowl: 100 Haiku from 100 Years of Life and an introduction to The Truth of This Life: Zen Teachings on Loving the World as It Is by Katherine Thanas.

Norman on Mitsu Suzuki - from Lion's Roar

Norman has written a number of articles published in Tricycle

Norman's obituary for Green Gulch Dharma Teacher Daigan Lueck

Norman published many articles, poems and dharma talks in Wind Bell - search for his name as an Author

Emptiness, With Pictures a poem for Roundabout Zen: Recollections in Celebration of the 70th Birthday of Zentatsu Baker Roshi

Norman participated in the Forum: San Francisco Zen Center at Fifty with Steve Stücky, Blanche Hartman, and Mary Morgan and an introduction by yours truly, DC.

On YouTube (a few of many listed below)

More audio at: https://www.normanfischer.org/audio

Norman's lineage is on Suzuki's Wikipedia page

Photo of Norman with Del Carlson (from Del's cuke page)

At Blanche's Mountain Seat Ceremony

At the Mountain Seat Ceremony for Shunbo Zenkei Blanche Hartman, 1996.
From Wind Bell, vol. XXX

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