Hartford Street Zen Center

Hartford Street Zen Center

Hartford Street Zen Center (HSZC) is a Soto Zen practice center located in the Castro district of San Francisco, California. It was established in the early 1980s as a space for the LGBTQ+ community and others to practice Zen Buddhism in a welcoming and inclusive environment. The center is known for its commitment to social justice, inclusivity, and the practice of zazen (seated meditation), following the teachings of Shunryu Suzuki, the founder of the San Francisco Zen Center.

History

The Hartford Street Zen Center was founded by Issan Dorsey, a former drag queen and substance abuser who turned to Zen Buddhism in the late 1970s. After his ordination as a Zen priest, Dorsey envisioned a place where people, especially those from the LGBTQ+ community, could practice Zen without fear of discrimination. In 1981, with the support of the San Francisco Zen Center, Dorsey established the Hartford Street Zen Center in a Victorian house on Hartford Street. The center also housed the Maitri Hospice, the first Buddhist hospice in the United States, providing care for people dying of AIDS during the height of the AIDS crisis.

Practice

The Hartford Street Zen Center offers daily zazen practice, weekly Dharma talks, and various workshops and retreats throughout the year. The center follows the Soto Zen tradition, emphasizing the practice of shikantaza, or "just sitting," as a path to realizing one's true nature. The center is also involved in community service, including its ongoing support for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.

Community

HSZC has played a significant role in the Castro district and the wider San Francisco community. It has been a sanctuary for many seeking spiritual practice in a non-judgmental and supportive environment. The center continues to uphold its founding principles of inclusivity and compassion, welcoming individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their background, faith, or sexual orientation.

Legacy

The legacy of Issan Dorsey and the Hartford Street Zen Center is significant in the history of American Buddhism and the LGBTQ+ community's fight for acceptance and equality. The center's establishment and its work during the AIDS crisis have made it a symbol of compassion and resilience. It remains an important spiritual and community resource in San Francisco.

See Also

• Soto Zen
• Shunryu Suzuki
• San Francisco Zen Center
• Buddhism in the United States
• LGBTQ+ and religion