Empty Hand Zen Center

Dairyu Michael Wenger

By Dennis Shofu Keegan

Beginning January 15^th we will have the pleasure of hosting Dairyu Michael Wenger for a six-day visit.  As Susan Postal’s teacher’s teacher, Michael is our “Dharma Grandfather” in the Soto lineage of Suzuki Roshi and is a key mentor and valued friend.  He received dharma transmission from Sojun Mel Weitsman and is the author of Thirty Three Fingers, a collection of modern American koans, and editor of the book Wind Bell. He has practiced at San Francisco Zen Center (SFZC) since 1972 and recently served as Dean of Buddhist Studies there before assuming his current position in charge of Dharma group support at SFZC.

Those of us who have had the good fortune to meet and work with Michael on any of his previous visits have been touched by his warmth, whimsical humor and strong, quiet presence.  This time he will be joining us on Friday Film Night, January 15^th, for a showing of Enlightenment Guaranteed, a perennial favorite here at EHZC.  Then on Sunday, the 17^th, he will lead morning practice and in the afternoon present an ink painting workshop, “Embodying the Free Stroke,” where we suspect his own unconventional style and his gentle teaching will both be on ample display. Click here for more information.