Leslie James serves as the Abiding Teacher at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center and has been part of the San Francisco Zen Center community since 1971. Over the decades, she has deepened her practice through long-term commitment, steady presence, and years of teaching within the Zen tradition. In 2001, she received Lay Dharma Transmission from Tenshin Reb Anderson, marking an important milestone in her spiritual path.
Her life at Tassajara reflects both dedication and continuity. She has lived there with her husband, Keith Meyerhoff, for 30 years, and together they have raised two grown children. Leslie’s background brings a grounded, lived understanding of contemplative practice, making her an inspiring guide for those drawn to Zen, mindfulness, and the discipline of retreat life.