Our Head Teacher has been honored with an offer to serve as Abbot of the City Center temple at San Francisco Zen Center. This is an extraordinary opportunity for Mako and a recognition of her work, her commitment to the three treasures, and the positive influence she brings. We are so very happy for Mako to have this offer to consider and maybe just a little selfish with the idea that she might choose to stay at AZC. Whatever unfolds, we are deeply grateful for any time we have with Mako and will support her fully here, now, and wherever she is called to serve.

As you may know, the AZC Board has been working through a series of planning activities to evaluate our programs, our organizational structure, our administrative systems and our budget. From an organizational perspective, we have already identified the need to re-establish an administrative leadership position at AZC and are preparing to begin a search for such a leader.

Depending on Mako’s decision and direction, we will be ready to start the process of searching for a new Head Teacher. During that process, AZC will continue to rely on Choro as our Tanto, long-time practice leader Pat Yingst, the support of outside teachers, and members of SFZC leadership. The Practice Committee will work to identify and invite such teachers as appropriate. We have practiced in this space of change before and can do it again.

This Saturday, February 19th (@1 pm), we will hold our second Community Gathering related to the AZC Board’s planning work. In this gathering we intend to describe the draft organizational structure that is emerging and can answer questions relating to any aspect of the planning activity. Please join if you can, using the link to our regular Saturday Program

For more information, read the recent UPDATE from our Board of Directors.