Introduction

The seed of Shumei’s San Francisco Center was planted by a Chinese lady from Los Angeles named Ah Kim Kong when she introduced Jyorei to an old friend, Mr. Yun Yin Chu, while visiting San Francisco. Yun Yin Chu and his family became Shumei’s first San Francisco members in 1982. Since then, the Chu family has warmly opened its home in San Francisco’s densely populated Chinatown to friends and members who gather there regularly to exchange Jyorei and study Meishusama’s writings.

            The first official San Francisco Center opened in 1987 in the Sunset district adjacent to picturesque Golden Gate Park. Growing gradually, the Center has been maintained and supported by the voluntary services of local Shumei members as well as members who visit the Bay Area from Hong Kong and Japan. Today, our Center is located in the Park Merced neighborhood and our membership truly reflects the diversity of people who live in the Bay Area.

            Participating in the three major activities of Shumei, members and friends enjoy Jyorei, Art, and Natural Agriculture. We have weekly Jyorei sharing at locales such as bookstores, hospitals, and nursing homes. We also take part in Jyorei expos and festivals. Concerts and other artistic events are attended as well. With the opening of Shumei’s Santa Cruz Farm last year, members and friends now gain first-hand experience of Natural Agriculture farming and enjoy chemical and pesticide-free produce brought fresh from the farm each month.