Abbot Tenzen David Zimmerman

Rev. Tenzen David Zimmerman has practiced Soto Zen since the early 1990s and has lived at San Francisco Zen Center since 1999. Ordained as a Zen priest in 2006 by Teah Strozer in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, he received Dharma Transmission from her in 2018. He spent eight years at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, serving in several roles, including monastery director. Before becoming SFZC’s Central Abbot, David was Abiding Abbot of City Center, and has also served as Tanto, programs director, and corporate secretary. He holds a Certificate of Zen Ministry from the Shogaku Zen Institute/Zen Priest Training Seminary, serves on the Promoting Inclusivity & Equity Committee, and co-facilitates Queer Dharma. David regularly leads retreats, workshops, and classes at SFZC and other Dharma centers, with a particular focus on transforming depression and anxiety.