San Francisco Zen Center logo

Dear Sangha:

The world today is in constant flux, offering up complex and troubling challenges on a daily basis. Finding the stability we need to respond appropriately requires a thoughtful yet nimble stance—one that is rooted in wisdom and compassion rather than rigid formulas. In Buddhism, this is called upaya or “skillful means.”

In his famous haiku, Japanese poet Matsuo Bashō points to this spirit of upaya:

An old pond—
a frog jumps in,
the sound of water.


In just a few words, he captures the immediacy of meeting the present moment. From utter stillness to great action, appropriate action, skillful action. Like the frog’s sudden leap—splash!—we, too, are called to enter life fully, ready in an instant to meet our collective challenges with steadiness and care.

How do we discern what each moment is asking of us? How can we develop an inner voice that is clear enough to trust? Through our practice of zazen, mindful awareness, and sangha relationships, we develop a resiliency that fosters skillful means as our foundational stance. We learn that compassion is not always gentle— it can call for fierce clarity and the willingness to take a stand. We discover that, in other moments, wisdom can express itself through quiet, humble service or knowing when it's time to rest.

For over sixty years, San Francisco Zen Center has embodied this practice of skillful means, adapting ancient wisdom to meet present-day needs, while maintaining the essential transmission of the teachings.

As we look toward 2026, we invite your continued partnership in this work of manifesting compassionate upaya. Your gift ensures that diverse doorways into practice remain open, and that together we can respond with compassion and clarity to whatever our community and world may need. Thank you for making a tax-deductible donation to our 2025 Year-End Appeal.

With deep gratitude, 

Thank You for Supporting Our Year End Appeal!

Choose an amount to donate One-time
  
Choose an amount
This organization is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, and your Year End donation is tax deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Please keep your receipt as your official record. We'll email it to you upon successful completion of your donation.

If you would like to mail a check, please send it to:
San Francisco Zen Center
Attn: Development Department
300 Page Street SF, CA 94102

Please note "YEL" in the memo area of the check to make sure it's going to our Year End Campaign.