The History and Activities of the San Francisco Center

In 1982, Mr. and Mrs. Yun Yin Chu were first introduced to Jyorei and shortly after became Shumei’s first members in San Francisco. Since then, the Chu family has cordially opened their home in San Francisco’s Chinatown to friends and members on a regular basis to exchange Jyorei and study Meishusama’s teachings.

            The first San Francisco Center was established and a Scroll of Light enshrined in 1987. Since then the Center has been maintained and supported by the volunteer services of Shumei members. In January of 2004 we moved our Center to the Park Merced neighborhood. Today our membership has come to truly reflect the diversity of the people of San Francisco.

            In May 2004, Shumei’s president, Kaicho-Sensei, visited our Center for the first time in our eighteen-year history. During her visit with us, she toured Shumei’s farm in Santa Cruz. Before leaving, Kaicho-Sensei encouraged all San Francisco members to practice Natural Agriculture at the Santa Cruz Farm.

            We visit Santa Cruz to do volunteer work every week. In April 2005, the San Francisco Center’s Anniversary celebration took place at the Santa Cruz Farm. In June 2005, San Francisco and Santa Cruz members attended the Japanese Cultural Fair in Santa Cruz. At this event we set up our first booth that combined all three of Shumei’s activities: Jyorei, art, and Natural Agriculture. We shared Jyorei, gave out information concerning the Miho Museum and the Shumei Taiko Ensemble, and sold produce from the Santa Cruz Farm. The experience gave us a precious opportunity to make connections and share our philosophy with many local people.

            The San Francisco Center continues to share light and Jyorei with others within our community. We have created a weekly program in which we share Jyorei at the East West Book Store in Mountain View. In July 2005, we set up a Jyorei booth at the Berkeley Marina. In September 2005 we participated in Solano Stroll, Albany. We also have set up Jyorei booths at various Expos in Palo Alto, San Jose, and San Francisco. In some of our Jyorei programs, we have teamed up with young Shumei members from Japan. Through these events San Francisco members and visitors from Japan have created strong bonds of goodwill toward each other. The young members from Japan were very much inspired by their Jyorei experience in the City on the Bay.