Sanjay Nanda

Growing up in India, Sanjay (he/him) knew little about Buddhism until he spent a transformative year living and working in China in his early 20s. Deeply moved by the subtle, evocative beauty of the classical Chinese art forms that he encountered, he explored the Taoist ideals that informed them, which ultimately led him to Zen (Chan) Buddhism. Moving to the United States soon after, he kick-started his practice at Appamada in Austin, TX, where he first discovered the possibility of a radically different way of being with oneself and the world.

Relocating to San Francisco in 2021, Sanjay delved deeper into the Dharma through the offerings of the San Francisco Zen Center. Over the years, he has found refuge in the stillness of his sitting practice, in the insights into his own suffering afforded through the Buddha's teachings, and in the embodied wisdom and compassion of his teachers and fellow practitioners. Convinced of its enduring relevance, Sanjay views the Zen tradition as a vital bridge between ancient wisdom and modern challenges, needing both preservation and thoughtful adaptation in the 21st century.

In his professional life, Sanjay is driven by a commitment to conserving the planet and moving towards a more sustainable future. He is currently using his background in Materials Science to help develop next-generation battery technologies for electrifying hard-to-decarbonize sectors such as aviation