On the 10th of October, 2026 Austin Zen Center celebrated 25 years at Zenkei-ji Temple, 3014 Washington Square.  The day was filled with memories, connection, and joy.  

Guiding Teacher Rev. Choro Antonaccio completed an eye-opening ceremony for the altar Buddha and grounded the sangha in past, present, and future practice.  

The Austin Taiko Drum Ensemble performed as did sangha members Sean Shamgar, Pat Yingst, and Catherine van Zanten.  AZC also put on a silent auction which included over 60 items including many handcrafted by members.  The day was a joyous celebration to mark this special anniversary.  

Rev. Choro’s note of gratitude to the sangha:

As Guiding Teacher of Zenkei-ji, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to all in connection with the 25th anniversary of Austin Zen Center on Washington Sq. this past Saturday, October 10. So many individuals offered their time, ideas, talents, energy, and more. We were gifted with sangha musical performances, sangha-made desserts, we attracted a number of curious neighbors and passersby who were invited on the spot to enjoy the food, music, and grounds. It was a whole of mahasangha event which went off beautifully, including great weather!

I also want to thank everyone who donated items for the silent auction/donation event, including items made by the donors themselves. And thank everyone who bid generously to benefit Zenkei-ji! If you didn’t get one, we have commemorative t-shirts available in all sizes, designed by one of our sangha members. Get in touch with us if you would like one.

Finally, if you took photos (cell phone snaps are fine!) we would love the be able to share them on our social media. And San Francisco Zen Center would like to be able to feature a few in the Branching Streams newsletter!

108 bows,

Chōro