The Leadership Of The Santa Cruz Zen Center

Regularly Occurring Events

Breakfast and Dharma Study Group - Mondays, 7am - 8:30 am

Breakfast with conversation in the community room at 7am most Mondays, followed by Dharma study group with Kokyo Henkel 7:45-8:30am. The current book we are reading and discussing is "Mountains and Waters Sutra: A Practitioner's Guide to Dogen's Sansuikyo" by Shohaku Okumura Roshi.

Koan Study Group - Fridays, 1-2pm

Explore the koans in the "Blue Cliff Record", with Neti Parekh, in the zendo. A koan will be posted on the bulletin board the week before, with copies available. Anyone may attend any of the sessions, free of charge.

Monthly Thursday Evening Discussion Group - Third Thursday of month, 6:40-8pm.

"Jewels in the World" with Kokyo Henkel. We meet monthly to discuss some topic regarding Dharma or Zen practice, especially relevant to daily life in the midst of the world. A different person facilitates the conversation each month. Our current topic for discussion is  "Not One Single Thing," a commentary on the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Ancestor by the contemporary Zen Teacher Shodo Harada Roshi. All are welcome, free of charge.

Ordinary Recovery Group - Fridays 6:45pm—7:45pm

Addiction affects all of us whether we're still using substances, have stopped using, or know someone who uses. Join us to explore what we need to hold on to and what we can let go of. This gathering of supportive Sangha Members includes meditation and discussion.


Foundations of Zen

With Revs. Eugene Bush and Cathy Toldi.
5 classes, January 13 - February 10; Sundays 6:30-8pm.

What does it mean to Study the Way? What activities are associated with arousing the effort required for Practice? This foundational series will touch on the early teachings of the Buddha and will familiarize participants with the most commonly used words, phrases and themes often heard in our zendo. Suggested donation: $10/class

Wednesday Evening Dharma Talk

February 6, 6:35pm – Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh

Saturday Sangha

Saturday, February 9, 9:20-10am.
Open Discussion: "The One Who is not Busy," moderated by Shin-I.
Please join us and share your strategies for consistency with sitting practice and maintaining connection with sangha in the midst of the demands of work and family life.

Awakening Together: The Spiritual Practice of Inclusivity and Community

Tuesday, February 12, 6:45-8pm.
A study discussion group based on the book by Larry Yang, led by Val Miranda, with Rev. Cathy Toldi.

Wednesday Evening Dharma Talk

February 13, 6:35pm – Rev. Dana Takagi

Parinirvana Sesshin

February 15-17 (3 days), 5:45am-8:35pm (ends by 4pm Sunday).
Each day will include morning teachings with Rev. Cathy Toldi and formal oryoki meals. Sesshin ends with a ceremony to celebrate Buddha’s Parinirvana on Sunday at 3:15pm, to which all are welcome. Anyone can attend all of sesshin, or parts. Suggested donation: $35/day for sustaining members, $40 for others.

Full Moon Bodhisattva Precepts Renewal Ceremony

Tuesday, February 19, 5:45-6:30pm (instead of evening zazen)

Wednesday Evening Dharma Talk

February 20, 6:35pm – Rev. Eugene Bush

Jewels in the World: “Not One Single Thing”

Thursday, February 21, 6:40-8pm.
This monthly evening discussion group will begin the study of “Not One Single Thing,” a commentary on the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Ancestor by the contemporary Zen Teacher Shodo Harada Roshi. These lively teachings are permeated with the encouragement to practice wholeheartedly and manifest our true nature here and now. Everyone is welcome.

Introduction to Zen

Saturday, February 23, 10am-noon.
A monthly introduction to the body & mind of Zen meditation and the forms of practice at SCZC. The morning includes sitting and walking meditation, and discussion. Everyone is welcome, free of charge.

Sobun Katherine Thanas Roshi Monthly Memorial Ceremony

Monday, February 25, 6:25am, at time of morning service.