Archives

The archives of the First Zen Institute contain original manuscripts and notes of Sokei-an's students, letters, photographs, newspaper articles, sixty years of Zen Notes and other items carefully collected by generations of Institute members. The Archive includes materials documenting the activities of many key figures in the early history of Zen in America, including Sokei-an and Ruth Fuller Sasaki, Mary Farkas, Alan Watts, Nyogen Senzaki, D.T.Suzuki, Gary Snyder, Joshu Sasaki, Soyen Shaku, Isshu Miura, and others.

The archives are a window into the development of Zen into 20th century America. The FZI's special material is intended to be preserved as it was collected and organized. For this reason, the relevant material may be dispersed in various boxes and drawers. The Institute has provided a searchable map which alerts scholars to the materials at the Institute.

For materials requested in advance, we endeavor to prepare items for your visit. Please confirm that the item is ready for your use before visiting us.

Please note that all FZI special collections are non-circulating, and cannot be checked out, loaned, or used in other libraries. Upon request to the publications committee one-use permission may be granted. Most of our materials are very fragile and delicate due to age. Researchers undertaking research are required to treat the materials with special care.

You may be asked to provide us with copies of digital data which you have taken during your research of FZI material. This is for future preservation and digitalization of the materials. In other words, we welcome your cooperation in the preservation of FZI material.

Please send an email to The FZI (firstzen@verizon.net) with an official introduction letter and any questions regarding your requests.