Peacemakers Podcast Not Turning Away: Hozan Alan Senauke and the Practice of Staying
Mar 26, 2026
Hozan Alan Senauke, a Soto Zen priest, teacher and musician committed to engaged Buddhism. He describes his guiding vow, “I will not abandon you,” and how it shapes bearing witness. Stories range from refugee camps to sangha dilemmas. He explores the Three Tenets—Not Knowing, Bearing Witness, Taking Action—and the challenge of staying present without rescuing.
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Use A North Star Precept To Stay Present
- Do adopt a North Star precept to guide difficult relationships and confusion.
- Hozan Alan Senauke uses "I will not abandon you" to reorient himself when tempted to walk away from someone in crisis.
Staying With A Troubled Sangha Member For Decades
- Hozan and his wife committed to "I will not abandon you" with a troubled sangha member instead of rescuing them.
- Their steady presence sustained that person in relationship with Berkeley sangha for 25 years despite recurring crises.
Three Tenets Guide Appropriate Action
- Enter situations with the Three Tenets: Not Knowing, Bearing Witness, and Taking Action.
- Hozan explains not knowing as inquiry, bearing witness as noticing inner and outer conditions, and action as an appropriate, compassionate response.
