Calendar

2024 BZC Calendar of Events

Weekly Schedule

Events in November 2020

  • Monday Morning Open Discussion

    Monday Morning Open Discussion


    Mon, Nov 2, 2020

    We are resuming our monthly open discussion program:

    7:30 am: zazen
    8:00 am: anyone can raise a topic for discussion
    8:30: end

  • Election Day Open Sitting

    Election Day Open Sitting


    Tue, Nov 3, 2020

    You are invited to come to BZC’s online zendo throughout Election day. People can join as they are able and come and go as they wish. When possible, join during kinhin or the start of a zazen period. During breaks, the zendo will remain open.

    There are periods of zazen, walking meditation, open discussion, and breaks.

  • Wednesday Night Drop In - Zazen and Study

    Wednesday Night Drop In - Zazen and Study


    Wed, Nov 4, 2020

    Our longstanding Wednesday night drop in group continues in the Online Zendo!

    7:00: Zazen
    7:30: Reading and discussion

    The group is currently led by BZC Practice Leader Gerry Oliva; join us!

    Meeting ID: 657 798 2914
    Passcode: bzc

  • Group Dokusan with Sojun Roshi

    Group Dokusan with Sojun Roshi


    Thu, Nov 5, 2020

    Sojun-Roshi is offering this open Group Dokusan, with 8-9 students. He will be setting the tone with a short introductory talk, and then invite the questioners. All are welcome to listen in on these Dharma exchanges.

    To join, please enter BZC’s Online Zendo

    Dial-in (audio only): call 408 638 0968
    Meeting ID: 657 798 2914

    More info, email Gary: gartim@gmail.com

  • Lecture: Sojun Roshi

    Lecture: Sojun Roshi


    Sat, Nov 7, 2020

    Saturday Program Link (ie, Online Zendo)
    • 9:45 am: zazen
    • 10:15 am: lecture and discussion
    • We’ll end around 11:15 am

    Meeting ID: 657 798 2914
    Passcode: bzc

  • Young East Bay Zen Meet Up

    Young East Bay Zen Meet Up


    Sun, Nov 8, 2020

    "YEBZ" at Berkeley Zen Center invites younger practitioners and beginners to join us in open discussion groups about Zen Buddhism, meditation, and developing a personal practice. Our aim is to cultivate “Kalyana Mitta,” spiritual friendship, to provide members with the opportunity to meet others in their age group and similar situations to support each other in bringing Zen practice more fully into our daily lives.

    The group meets on in the Online Zendo on some Sundays.

    For more information, check out our YEBZ page.

  • Way-Seeking Mind Talk: Dan Harden

    Way-Seeking Mind Talk: Dan Harden


    Mon, Nov 9, 2020

    There will be a Zoom student talk in the online zendo right after a shorter period of zazen:

    7:30 am: zazen

    8:00 am: way-seeking mind talk

    What is a "way-seeking mind" talk?  See below.

    Way-Seeking Mind at Berkeley Zen Center

    “Way-Seeking Mind” talks by practitioners at Berkeley Zen Center have been a regular event on Monday mornings for more than thirty years. Each of us came to Zen practice as a seeker, with a spirit of inquiry. Each of us arrives at BZC from our own diverse backgrounds—social, familial, educational, religious, and so on. The idea of our way-seeking mind talks is for students to share how it is that they came to practice. Each person tells his or her own story in a unique way that often blends autobiography, spiritual biography, and the practice questions that each of us is engaged with.

    The talks are by invitation, and last about twenty-five minutes, including time for presentation and short question & answer period. For newer students, this is a chance to meet and hear those we are sitting with. Those invited to talk have been sitting steadily at BZC; for them it is an opportunity to tell their story and be seen and heard. One of the teachers or senior students is available for advice in shaping one's talk, should that be useful.

  • Wednesday Night Drop In - Zazen and Study

    Wednesday Night Drop In - Zazen and Study


    Wed, Nov 11, 2020

    Our longstanding Wednesday night drop in group continues in the Online Zendo!

    7:00: Zazen
    7:30: Reading and discussion

    The group is currently led by BZC Practice Leader Gerry Oliva; join us!

    Meeting ID: 657 798 2914
    Passcode: bzc

  • Young East Bay Zen Meet Up

    Young East Bay Zen Meet Up


    Thu, Nov 12, 2020

    "YEBZ" at Berkeley Zen Center invites younger practitioners and beginners to join us in open discussion groups about Zen Buddhism, meditation, and developing a personal practice. Our aim is to cultivate “Kalyana Mitta,” spiritual friendship, to provide members with the opportunity to meet others in their age group and similar situations to support each other in bringing Zen practice more fully into our daily lives.

    The group meets on in the Online Zendo on Thursdays when there isn't Group Dokusan, from 6:30 to 7:30 (right after evening zazen).

    For more information, check out our YEBZ page.

  • Lecture: Hozan Alan Senauke

    Lecture: Hozan Alan Senauke


    Sat, Nov 14, 2020

    Saturday Program Link (ie, Online Zendo)
    • 9:45 am: zazen
    • 10:15 am: lecture and discussion
    • We’ll end around 11:15 am

    Meeting ID: 657 798 2914
    Passcode: bzc

    Young East Bay Zen Meet Up

    Young East Bay Zen Meet Up


    Sat, Nov 14, 2020

    "YEBZ" at Berkeley Zen Center invites younger practitioners and beginners to join us in open discussion groups about Zen Buddhism, meditation, and developing a personal practice. Our aim is to cultivate “Kalyana Mitta,” spiritual friendship, to provide members with the opportunity to meet others in their age group and similar situations to support each other in bringing Zen practice more fully into our daily lives.

    This meeting will be a Dharma group with guest teacher Hozan Alan Senauke on "We should not stick to Rules or Words too much."

    You can join using this link.

    For more information, check out our YEBZ page.

  • Jizo Ceremony to Heal Grief

    Jizo Ceremony to Heal Grief


    Sun, Nov 15, 2020

    In this simple ceremony, we quietly work together to make a small garment or token to dress Jizo on his journey, and write our wishes for our loved one or the circumstance. We will offer these in a simple ceremony we create together.

    This year, the ceremony will be conducted by BZC priests Ryushin Andrea Thach and Hannah Meara. For more information, please click here.

  • Way-Seeking Mind Talk: David Gill

    Way-Seeking Mind Talk: David Gill


    Mon, Nov 16, 2020

    There will be a Zoom student talk in the online zendo right after a shorter period of zazen:

    7:30 am: zazen

    8:00 am: way-seeking mind talk

    What is a "way-seeking mind" talk?  See below.

    Way-Seeking Mind at Berkeley Zen Center

    “Way-Seeking Mind” talks by practitioners at Berkeley Zen Center have been a regular event on Monday mornings for more than thirty years. Each of us came to Zen practice as a seeker, with a spirit of inquiry. Each of us arrives at BZC from our own diverse backgrounds—social, familial, educational, religious, and so on. The idea of our way-seeking mind talks is for students to share how it is that they came to practice. Each person tells his or her own story in a unique way that often blends autobiography, spiritual biography, and the practice questions that each of us is engaged with.

    The talks are by invitation, and last about twenty-five minutes, including time for presentation and short question & answer period. For newer students, this is a chance to meet and hear those we are sitting with. Those invited to talk have been sitting steadily at BZC; for them it is an opportunity to tell their story and be seen and heard. One of the teachers or senior students is available for advice in shaping one's talk, should that be useful.

    Buddhist Women Ancestors Guiding the Way

    Buddhist Women Ancestors Guiding the Way


    Mon, Nov 16, 2020

    Please join Karen DeCotis, Laurie Senauke, and Susan Marvin for a
    4 week class on the women ancestors, with a focus on how they
    encourage us to continue to practice and awaken together in these
    challenging times. We will read and discuss stories that offer the
    inspiration of their presence in our very own lives.
  • Tuesday Evenings With Hozan Alan

    Tuesday Evenings With Hozan Alan


    Tue, Nov 17, 2020

    A safe and informal setting where up to 8 people at a time can meet — to express their interests, questions, and concerns, and talk among ourselves about things that concern us all: the continuity and shape of Suzuki Roshi and Sojun’s practice, our sense and needs from the BZC community, and the state of our ever-changing world.

    Click here for more information

    To sign up:
    Contact Hannah Meara for a place in the room: hmeara@gmail.com

  • Wednesday Night Drop In - Zazen and Study

    Wednesday Night Drop In - Zazen and Study


    Wed, Nov 18, 2020

    Our longstanding Wednesday night drop in group continues in the Online Zendo!

    7:00: Zazen
    7:30: Reading and discussion

    The group is currently led by BZC Practice Leader Gerry Oliva; join us!

    Meeting ID: 657 798 2914
    Passcode: bzc

  • Group Dokusan with Sojun Roshi

    Group Dokusan with Sojun Roshi


    Thu, Nov 19, 2020

    Sojun-Roshi is offering this open Group Dokusan, with 8-9 students. He will be setting the tone with a short introductory talk, and then invite the questioners. All are welcome to listen in on these Dharma exchanges.

    To join, please enter BZC’s Online Zendo

    Dial-in (audio only): call 408 638 0968
    Meeting ID: 657 798 2914

    More info, email Gary: gartim@gmail.com

  • Sesshin on Zoom

    Sesshin on Zoom


    Sat, Nov 21, 2020

    BZC will offer a virtual sesshin on Saturday, Nov. 21. This virtual sesshin will begin at 7:00 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m. and will include zazen, kinhin, service, a dharma talk, and a work period. Lunch will be on your own. Gerry Oliva will lead and Mary Beth Lamb will direct this sesshin. If this will be your first sesshin or if you have questions, please contact the sesshin director at sesshindirectorbzc@gmail.com. To sign up, please fill out the Sesshin Sign Up Form by Wednesday, Nov. 18.

    The suggested sesshin donation is $15, or whatever you can afford. Mail a check to the BZC Office Manager at 1931 Russell St., Berkeley, CA 94703, or pay through the BZC website by going to the Generosity page and clicking the “Sits/Classes” tab. Please consider a donation to Berkeley Zen Center above the suggested fee to help us maintain our practice through the current crisis.

    Lecture: Gerry Oliva

    Lecture: Gerry Oliva


    Sat, Nov 21, 2020

    Saturday Program Link (ie, Online Zendo)
    • 9:45 am: zazen
    • 10:15 am: lecture and discussion
    • We’ll end around 11:15 am

    Meeting ID: 657 798 2914
    Passcode: bzc

  • Young East Bay Zen Dharma Study

    Young East Bay Zen Dharma Study


    Sun, Nov 22, 2020

    This monthly gathering meets on in the Online Zendo for study and discussion.

  • Way-Seeking Mind Talk: Sue Oehser

    Way-Seeking Mind Talk: Sue Oehser


    Mon, Nov 23, 2020

    There will be a Zoom student talk in the online zendo right after a shorter period of zazen:

    7:30 am: zazen

    8:00 am: way-seeking mind talk

    What is a "way-seeking mind" talk?  See below.

    Way-Seeking Mind at Berkeley Zen Center

    “Way-Seeking Mind” talks by practitioners at Berkeley Zen Center have been a regular event on Monday mornings for more than thirty years. Each of us came to Zen practice as a seeker, with a spirit of inquiry. Each of us arrives at BZC from our own diverse backgrounds—social, familial, educational, religious, and so on. The idea of our way-seeking mind talks is for students to share how it is that they came to practice. Each person tells his or her own story in a unique way that often blends autobiography, spiritual biography, and the practice questions that each of us is engaged with.

    The talks are by invitation, and last about twenty-five minutes, including time for presentation and short question & answer period. For newer students, this is a chance to meet and hear those we are sitting with. Those invited to talk have been sitting steadily at BZC; for them it is an opportunity to tell their story and be seen and heard. One of the teachers or senior students is available for advice in shaping one's talk, should that be useful.

    Buddhist Women Ancestors Guiding the Way

    Buddhist Women Ancestors Guiding the Way


    Mon, Nov 23, 2020

    Please join Karen DeCotis, Laurie Senauke, and Susan Marvin for a
    4 week class on the women ancestors, with a focus on how they
    encourage us to continue to practice and awaken together in these
    challenging times. We will read and discuss stories that offer the
    inspiration of their presence in our very own lives.
  • Wednesday Night Drop In - Zazen and Study

    Wednesday Night Drop In - Zazen and Study


    Wed, Nov 25, 2020

    Our longstanding Wednesday night drop in group continues in the Online Zendo!

    7:00: Zazen
    7:30: Reading and discussion

    The group is currently led by BZC Practice Leader Gerry Oliva; join us!

    Meeting ID: 657 798 2914
    Passcode: bzc

  • Thanksgiving Day Zazen

    Thanksgiving Day Zazen

    All day
    Thu, Nov 26, 2020

    The zendo will be open for zazen on Thanksgiving at the usual times: 5:40 am, 7:30 am, and 5:40 pm.

  • Lecture: Laurie Senauke

    Lecture: Laurie Senauke


    Sat, Nov 28, 2020

    Saturday Program Link (ie, Online Zendo)
    • 9:45 am: zazen
    • 10:15 am: lecture and discussion
    • We’ll end around 11:15 am

    Meeting ID: 657 798 2914
    Passcode: bzc

  • Way-Seeking Mind Talk: Nancy Suib

    Way-Seeking Mind Talk: Nancy Suib


    Mon, Nov 30, 2020

    There will be a Zoom student talk in the online zendo right after a shorter period of zazen:

    7:30 am: zazen

    8:00 am: way-seeking mind talk

    What is a "way-seeking mind" talk?  See below.

    Way-Seeking Mind at Berkeley Zen Center

    “Way-Seeking Mind” talks by practitioners at Berkeley Zen Center have been a regular event on Monday mornings for more than thirty years. Each of us came to Zen practice as a seeker, with a spirit of inquiry. Each of us arrives at BZC from our own diverse backgrounds—social, familial, educational, religious, and so on. The idea of our way-seeking mind talks is for students to share how it is that they came to practice. Each person tells his or her own story in a unique way that often blends autobiography, spiritual biography, and the practice questions that each of us is engaged with.

    The talks are by invitation, and last about twenty-five minutes, including time for presentation and short question & answer period. For newer students, this is a chance to meet and hear those we are sitting with. Those invited to talk have been sitting steadily at BZC; for them it is an opportunity to tell their story and be seen and heard. One of the teachers or senior students is available for advice in shaping one's talk, should that be useful.

    Buddhist Women Ancestors Guiding the Way

    Buddhist Women Ancestors Guiding the Way


    Mon, Nov 30, 2020

    Please join Karen DeCotis, Laurie Senauke, and Susan Marvin for a
    4 week class on the women ancestors, with a focus on how they
    encourage us to continue to practice and awaken together in these
    challenging times. We will read and discuss stories that offer the
    inspiration of their presence in our very own lives.