About this event:
Zen Buddhist priests may be asked to officiate at memorial services or funerals for sangha members, friends or family members, including those from other faith backgrounds. Many priests have not received training in how to create and lead such ceremonies. This workshop will draw from When Blossoms Fall, A Zen Guide for Death and Dying, co-edited by Tova Green, who will explore such topics as:
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Learning about the wishes of a person and their loved ones before they die
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Caring for the body and space after death
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Ceremonies at the time of death and after death, including memorial services, funerals, cremation ceremonies, and graveside services
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The purposes of such rituals and ceremonies
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How to adapt traditional Zen Buddhist ceremonies to be in accord with the wishes of the deceased as well as the needs and wishes of family members and friends, many of whom may not be Buddhist
Following Tova’s presentation, she will facilitate a panel of three Soto Zen priests, Cynthia Kear, Inryu Ponce-Barger, and Steven Tierney. Each has conducted end-of-life ceremonies in a range of situations, and all will respond to questions and comments from participants.
This event is for SZBA members only. If you are not yet an SZBA member and would like to join, please go to szba.org/membership. The event will be held online only via Zoom and will be recorded.
Location and schedule:
The event is online-only via Zoom.
Saturday, August 15, 2026
5:00 pm- 6:30 pm Eastern Time (Click here for a time converter.)
Fees:
The Soto Zen Buddhist Association relies on the generosity of its supporters to offer programming. All fees offered through registration will be shared with speakers and panelists. We suggest a sliding scale registration fee of $10-15 for online participation. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.
About the speaker:
Rev. Tova Green, she/her, is a resident priest at San Francisco Zen Center. She received Dharma transmission from Eijun Linda Cutts in 2015 and is the Branching Streams Director, connecting 75+ Zen Centers and sanghas in the Suzuki Roshi lineage. Tova co-founded SFZC’s Queer Dharma group and is involved in Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiatives. She also enjoys reading and writing poetry and playing the cello.
This event is supported by the Hemera Foundation, the Frederick P. Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism and the generosity of our community
