Over the years BZC has used different kinds of utensils at receptions and special events (Buddha’s Birthday, Jukai, Ordinations, etc.). The Practice Committee has discussed this issue many times and has now decided that the better course for the future is to get away from using any kind of disposable utensils (forks and spoons mostly). Even disposables that are called “compostable” are reportedly not currently viewed by the City of Berkeley as compostable waste. To avoid any confusion, and to support a sustainable future, we will in the future use washable metal utensils at special events. This is part of our commitment to reduce the amount of waste generally, and nonrecylable plastic in particular, as our planet begins to move away from plastic. Thanks for your cooperation in this matter.
- All-Sangha Budget Meeting
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Sun, Apr 27, 2025 - Way Seeking Mind Talk: Kurt Kowalski
8:00 am – 8:30 am, Mon, Apr 28, 2025 - Teacher Entering Ceremony
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm, Fri, May 2, 2025 - Open PP One-Day Sitting
5:00 am – 5:30 pm, Sat, May 3, 2025 - Dharma Talk: Linda Galijan
10:15 am – 11:15 am, Sat, May 3, 2025 - Shuso's WSM Talk: Mark Copithorne
8:00 am – 8:30 am, Mon, May 5, 2025 - Lotus Sutra Class
7:15 pm – 8:30 pm, Thu, May 8, 2025 - Zazen Refresher
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm, Fri, May 9, 2025 - Dharma Talk: Rev. Ryuei Michael McCormick
10:15 am – 11:15 am, Sat, May 10, 2025 - Way Seeking Mind Talk: Clay Taylor
8:00 am – 8:30 am, Mon, May 12, 2025 - Dharma Talk: Shuso Mark Copithorne
10:15 am – 11:15 am, Sat, May 17, 2025 - Way Seeking Mind Talk: Gensan Kristopher Thomson
8:00 am – 8:30 am, Mon, May 19, 2025 - Shuso Dharma Talk: Mark Copithorne
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm, Fri, May 23, 2025
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A Soto Zen practice place founded by Shunryu Suzuki and Sojun Mel Weitsman
Affirmation of Welcome
Walking the path of liberation, we express our intimate connection with all beings. Berkeley Zen Center is a sangha of Buddhist practitioners drawing from the Bay Area’s many spiritual and cultural communities. Just as Shakyamuni Buddha welcomed people of all backgrounds to practice, here at BZC our activities embrace diversity, and are available to people of every color, every way of life and ethnic background, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and ability. May all beings practice in safety and equality, realizing our true nature.