Weitsman Mel Vedic birth chart profile
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Sagittarius Lagna

Weitsman Mel

Remembering (Jan 7, 2021)

July 9, 1929 · Belvedere, California
11views
Moon Sign
Leo
Sun Sign
Gemini
Ascendant
Sagittarius
Nakshatra
Magha
Birth Star
WritersTeacherSpiritual Leader/ GuruOther ReligionLeadership RolesLife Path 1Destiny Number 5Soul Number 3
Biography

Who is Weitsman Mel?

American Buddhist, noted as the founder, abbot and guiding teacher of Berkeley Zen Center located in Berkeley, California. Weitsman was a Soto Zen roshi practising in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki, having received Dharma transmission in 1984 from Suzukis son Hoitsu. He was also a co-abbot of the San Francisco Zen Center, where he served from 1988 to 1997. Weitsman was also editor of the book Branching Streams Flow in the Darkness: Zen Talks on the Sandokai, based on talks given by Suzuki on the Sandokai. Hakuryu Sojun Mel Weitsman died on 7 January 2021 at age 91. Link to Wikipedia biography
Latest Info

Latest Updates

Update at: Jun 23, 2026

Mel Weitsman (Sojun Roshi)

Born: July 9, 1929 — Belvedere, United States

Profile Summary

  • American Zen Buddhist teacher and roshi, widely associated with the San Francisco Zen Center (SFZC).
  • Dharma heir in the Shunryu Suzuki lineage; a senior teacher within the Soto Zen tradition in the United States.
  • Known for decades of teaching, Dharma talks, and leadership within American Zen communities.

News

Publicly available information indicates Mel Weitsman has remained a respected elder teacher within the Zen community. For the latest official updates, refer to the San Francisco Zen Center and related Zen centers’ announcements and archives. There are no widely reported contemporary news items featuring high-profile developments specific to him beyond ongoing teaching activities and archival Dharma talks.

Social Media Details

There are no widely verified personal social media accounts attributed to Mel Weitsman. Public-facing updates and announcements are typically published through official Zen center channels (for example, the San Francisco Zen Center and affiliated centers). If you are seeking communications from him, check the official centers’ websites and their YouTube channels or Dharma talks sections.

Affiliations and Roles

  • Longstanding teacher in the SFZC lineage; associated with Soto Zen practice in California.
  • Often referred to by the title Roshi or Sojun Roshi, indicating his senior status within the Zen lineage.

Recent Projects and Teachings

  • Contributed Dharma talks and teachings preserved by Zen centers, including archived audio and video resources.
  • Participation in Zen practice programs, meditation instruction, and koan study within the SFZC network and affiliated temples.
  • Collaborations and mentorship within the Zen community, supporting incoming teachers and practitioners through lectures, seminars, and retreats.

Biographical Notes

Mel Weitsman is recognized as a senior teacher in the Zen tradition and a Dharma heir connected to Shunryu Suzuki. His work has influenced many students and practitioners across California and beyond, contributing to the growth of Zen practice in the United States.

Publications and Works

Publicly available information indicates that his teachings appear in Dharma talks and writings distributed by Zen centers rather than standalone solo publications. For concrete titles, consult the San Francisco Zen Center’s library, archives, or talk transcripts.

Locations and Contact

Primary affiliations are with established Zen centers in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. Official information and contact details are typically listed on SFZC’s website (sfzc.org) and the Berkeley Zen Center’s site (berkeleyzencenter.org) for program schedules, talk archives, and teacher directories.

Notes

Information reflects publicly available biographical and institutional data from Zen centers and their published materials. For the most current and detailed information, consult the San Francisco Zen Center and related temple websites and archives.

Which Raj Yogas are in Weitsman Mel's birth chart?

3 FOUND

Weitsman Mel's chart shows 3 Raj Yogas, including Gaja Kesari Yoga, Chandra-Mangala Yoga, Bhadra Mahapursh Yoga.

Planetary Combinations

Which dasha periods did Weitsman Mel live through?

VIMSHOTTARI

Vimshottari dasha periods recorded for Weitsman Mel, in order.

PREVIOUSFeb 6, 2026 - Mar 30, 2026
Saturn / Jupiter / Ketu

What do Weitsman Mel's numerology numbers say?

Weitsman Mel's core numbers are Life Path 1, Destiny 5, Soul Urge 3, Personality 11, Kabbalah Number 8, Birth 9.

Life Path
1

Chaldean Life Path 1 is the path of the Sun—independence, initiative, and leadership. It indicates self-made growth and lessons in confident direction.

Destiny
5

Chaldean Destiny 5 indicates dynamic progress through change and versatility. It supports travel, sales, communication roles, and fast adaptation.

Soul Urge
3

Chaldean Soul 3 desires joy and expression. It seeks creativity, appreciation, and the freedom to share ideas and feelings.

Personality
11

Chaldean Personality 11 appears intuitive and inspiring. Others often sense sensitivity, vision, and spiritual presence.

Kabbalah Number
8

Kabbalah Number 8 reflects an inner spiritual code of power and mastery. It supports leadership, manifestation, and disciplined ambition.

Birth
9

Birth Number 9 in Vedic astrology: explore personality traits, life path insights, challenges, and compatibility tips to guide decisions with numerology wisdom.

Life Events & Planetary Transits

Key events mapped against the active Dasha and planetary transits at the time.

2021
Death
Death, Cause unspecified 7 January 2021 (Age 91)
?

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this profile's Vedic astrology, birth chart, and numerology — answered by our astrologers.

How would astrology characterize Mel Weitsman's fundamental personality and core strengths?

Mel Weitsman possessed a commanding personality shaped by his Sagittarius ascendant and Leo moon, both fire signs that naturally gravitate toward leadership and spiritual authority. His chart reveals Bhadra Mahapursh Yoga, a powerful planetary combination that blessed him with wisdom, eloquence, and the ability to inspire others. Combined with his Gemini sun's communicative gifts, Weitsman embodied the archetype of a natural teacher and spiritual guide whose presence commanded respect and attention.

Which astrological combinations in Mel Weitsman's birth chart explain his prominence and accumulated success?

Mel Weitsman's rise to prominence stems from multiple wealth-generating yogas in his chart. His Chandra-Mangala Yoga enhanced emotional intelligence and courage, while his Gaja Kesari Yoga—formed between Jupiter and the Moon—is one of Vedic astrology's most auspicious combinations for fame, wisdom, and lasting influence. These yogas, coupled with his Sagittarius ascendant's natural authority, positioned him as a figure of spiritual and intellectual significance throughout his life.

What does Mel Weitsman's life path number reveal about his soul's purpose and destiny?

Mel Weitsman carried Life Path Number 1, the number of pioneering independence, innovation, and natural leadership. This numerological signature aligned perfectly with his role as a spiritual pioneer and teacher who forged his own path. Life Path 1 individuals are destined to initiate, inspire, and lead—qualities that defined Weitsman's decades-long influence as a spiritual guide and mentor to countless seekers.

How does Mel Weitsman's astrological chart illuminate his career trajectory as a spiritual teacher and leader?

Mel Weitsman's chart is a blueprint for spiritual authority and educational influence. His Sagittarius ascendant governs philosophy, teaching, and higher wisdom, while his Leo moon drives him toward roles of guidance and mentorship. The presence of Bhadra Mahapursh Yoga amplified his capacity for clear communication and spiritual depth. These placements explain why his profession centered on spiritual instruction and why he became a revered authority figure in his field.

In what way does Mel Weitsman's Sagittarius rising shape how others perceive him publicly?

Mel Weitsman's Sagittarius ascendant projected an image of wisdom, expansiveness, and spiritual authority to the world. This rising sign typically creates an appearance of optimism, learning, and philosophical depth. Sagittarius lagna individuals are seen as seekers of truth and natural mentors, characteristics that aligned with Weitsman's public persona as a revered spiritual teacher whose very presence suggested guidance and enlightenment.

Which Vedic moon sign does Mel Weitsman possess, and what significance does it hold in his chart?

Mel Weitsman's Vedic moon sign is Leo, a fire sign that governs confidence, creative expression, and emotional authority. Leo rashi individuals possess natural magnetism and a desire to lead and inspire others. This moon placement fueled his emotional need to teach, guide, and illuminate others' paths. Combined with his other placements, his Leo moon made him a natural focal point for spiritual seekers and students throughout his life.

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