Issan Tommy Dorsey, founder of Hartford Street Zen Center. Issan came to the S.F. Zen Center after a long career as a party boy: drag queen, drug and alcohol enthusiast, commune organizer. His rich, generous and loving nature made him, eventually, into a significant, remarkably unusual and dearly loved landmark within Buddhism in America. Though Issan passed away several years ago, his spirit and style are still very much alive 
and in evidence at HSZC.
 
 ..

Hartford Street Zen Center is a 
small Buddhist center in the Soto Zen tradition. Opened in the heart of the Castro in 1981, it was founded by a small group of gay and lesbian Buddhists for this neighborhood and community.

The central practice is meditation and we offer instruction and practice on a frequent and regular basis. This meditation can also be approached in a secular (non-religious) manner, if you prefer. The culture at this center is traditional and open, informal, warm and "everyone friendly". 

In addition to a regular schedule of zazen (meditation), services, formal talks, informal presentations and group discussions, HSZC also offers other events and community services. 

Thank you for your interest. We hope you will always feel welcome and at ease here.

Hartford Street Zen Center welcomes all meditatiors to join us for Zazen [40 minute meditation], orientation is suggested.  The 10 minute service following Zazen is optional and/or you are welcome to just watch.

The central practice is meditation and we offer instruction on Saturday mornings at 8:30 am* and daily practice at 6:00* am and 6:00* pm -- *please see the schedule for exact times.

As with all Buddhist temples, Hartford Street Zen Center does not charge for events but we are supported by the community we serve. Every donation is accepted with true gratitude. Your support enables us to support the visiting teachers and to pay our utilities and to continue offering community based services. All donations are deductable; year end receipts are provided to those making donations by check.

Thank you for all your generosity and may HSZC's support to our community always be loving, relevant and effective.

HSZC also hosts "Dharma Sisters", an independent group of women who meet here to sit together.