We be part of in the present day with our Dharma mates at Berkeley Zen Middle in mourning the passing of Roshi Mel Sojun Weitsman yesterday January seventh, 2021 at 91 years previous.
Sojun Roshi started his apply in 1964 with Shunryu Suzuki Roshi and based Berkeley Zendo in 1967 with the blessing and steering of Suzuki Roshi. He later obtained priest ordination in 1969 from Suzuki Roshi and Dharma transmission from Suzuki Roshi’s son, Hoitsu Suzuki Roshi, in 1984. He was Co-Abbot of San Francisco Zen Middle from 1988 to 1997 and continued because the Abbot of Berkeley Zen Middle till final 12 months.
Instrumental within the founding of Zen in the USA, Sojun Roshi gave Dharma Transmission to over twenty people, notably Roshi Zenkei Blanche Hartman and Roshi Zoketsu Norman Fischer.
He’s survived by his spouse Liz Horowitz Weitsman, their son Daniel, together with many disciples and college students throughout the USA and around the globe.
In deepest gratitude for his many contributions to the Dharma.
