Profile
Sweetwater Zen Center is a Soto Zen temple within the White Plum lineage through Taizan Maezumi Roshi. Founded in 2000 by Anne Seisen Saunders Roshi, SWZC carries the mission of upholding the training and understanding of its lineage. While the primary practice focuses on Koan study, Dogen Zenji, service training and the precepts, SWZC is dedicated to inclusion and inter-faith involvement. Many residents and members practice other traditions in our space, within the Zen context and forms. We offer traditional training, but forgo the stern discipline that can come with it in other temples. We have been referred to light-heartedly as a place to go for “Grandmother Zen.”
Situated on a busy urban street, we are also a place to go for Zen with a very modern, very urban flavor. Most sangha members are lay practitioners, with families and busy lives outside of the center.
SWZC’s vision of shared leadership invites all who come to get involved and offer their voice, as we work to reimagine Zen’s traditionally hierarchical bent. We hope you’ll consider being a part of that vision with us.
