On Saturday, October 17, 2026, about 18 Rotarians and guests enjoyed a morning of discovery at the San Francisco Zen Center's City Center, a Soto Zen Buddhist temple. We began with a friendly introduction to Buddhism and its traditions, followed by a Dharma Talk — a Buddhist teacher sharing thoughts on everyday life, its challenges, and how we might approach them with greater awareness and compassion. For many of us, it was our first experience with Zen Buddhism, and there was plenty to learn, reflect on, and talk about afterward.
Photos: The Rotarians and their partners identified in these photos are: Dan Joraanstad, Ruth and Dick Wenzel, Elissa and John Hoch, Christopher Davies, Bob Hermann, Margaret Miley, Alisha Marfatia, Ann Daugherty, Tim and Pat Hornbecker, and Mary Fermi.
The building itself was another highlight of the visit. Located at 300 Page Street, the Zen Center occupies a beautiful structure designed by the celebrated San Francisco architect, Julia Morgan. Her attention to light, space, and the way people move through a building is apparent throughout. We also learned about its earlier history as a residence for young Jewish women during much of the 20th century, long before it became the home of the Zen Center. A detailed discussion of the building and its features can be found here.
There was time for questions, conversation, and a tour of the building before everyone gathered for a delicious vegetarian lunch. Sharing a meal with members of the Zen Center community was a particularly pleasant way to finish the visit.
Our thanks to Carla Walter, a former member of our Club and now a member of the Zen Center community, who helped arrange the morning and made us feel so welcome.
By the time lunch was over, everyone seemed pleased to have come. We had learned something about a tradition unfamiliar to many of us, visited a remarkable San Francisco building, and enjoyed the company of fellow Rotarians and our hosts.
Not a bad way to spend a Saturday morning!