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.
- Open Discussion
8:00 am – 8:30 am, Mon, Feb 6, 2023 - Wednesday Night Drop-in Sitting and Study
7:10 pm – 9:00 pm, Wed, Feb 8, 2023 - Introduction to Zen Class with Abbot Hozan
7:15 pm – 8:45 pm, Thu, Feb 9, 2023 - Lecture: Laurie Senauke
10:15 am – 11:15 am, Sat, Feb 11, 2023 - Way Seeking Mind Talk: Dean Bradley
8:00 am – 8:30 am, Mon, Feb 13, 2023 - One-Day Sesshin
All day, Sat, Feb 18, 2023 - Buddha’s Parinirvana Ceremony
9:10 am, Sat, Feb 18, 2023 - Lecture: TBA
10:15 am – 11:15 am, Sat, Feb 18, 2023 - Zendo Holiday
All day, Mon, Feb 20, 2023 - Lecture: Gary Artim
10:15 am – 11:15 am, Sat, Feb 25, 2023 - Women Ancestors Ceremony
11:45 am – 12:45 pm, Sat, Feb 25, 2023 - Beginners’ Sesshin
All day, Sun, Feb 26, 2023
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A Soto Zen practice place led by Hozan Alan Senauke and 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.