Calendar

2024 BZC Calendar of Events

Weekly Schedule

Events in June 2022

  • Wednesday Night Drop In Sitting and Study

    Wednesday Night Drop In Sitting and Study


    Wed, Jun 1, 2022

  • Class: Parables from the Lotus Sutra with Abbot Hozan

    Class: Parables from the Lotus Sutra with Abbot Hozan


    Thu, Jun 2, 2022

    Abbot Hozan Alan Senauke will be teaching this year's Practice Period Class on the Parables the Lotus Sutra. The Lotus Sutra is one of the most important Mahayana Sutras. Its influence runs throughout Soto Zen's founder Dogen's teachings. The parables reveal the inherent possibility of awakening in each of us.

    The class will be held on Thursdays evenings May 12, 19, 26 and June 2 from 7:15 til 8:45 pm. This class will be held on zoom, and subsequently will be available on the website under “lectures.”
    PDFs of excerpts will be available to class participants. Sign up for the class as part of the practice period sign up. If you are not participating in the practice period but will be attending the class, please notify the Class Coordinator, Ryushin Andrea Thach at andrea.thach@gmail.com.

    If you’d like a hardcopy of the materials for the class, please let the Abbot assistant, Jonathon Koltz know. He can be contacted at jonkoltz@gmail.com.

    For a digital copy of the materials for the class, click here.

    Suggested donation is $40 and can be paid by using the "generosity" tab on the BZC website. Use the middle choice of "classes and sesshins" and please note that your payment is for the practice period class on Paypal or send the office manager a note at bzcofficemanager@gmail.com or pay by check by mail.
    If you have questions, contact the Class coordinator.

  • Way-Seeking Mind Talk: Marie Hopper

    Way-Seeking Mind Talk: Marie Hopper


    Fri, Jun 3, 2022

    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.

  • Lecture: Abbot Hozan

    Lecture: Abbot Hozan


    Sat, Jun 4, 2022

    Saturday Program Link (ie, Online Zendo)
        • Zendo opens:       8:30 am
        • Zazen:                      8:40 – 9:20
        • Service:                   9:20 – 9:30
        • Kinhin/break       9:30  – 9:40
        • Zazen:                      9:40 – 10:10
        • Lecture:                  10:15 – 11:15

    Meeting ID: 657 798 2914
    Passcode: bzc

  • Sangha Work Day

    Sangha Work Day


    Sun, Jun 5, 2022

    The day will open with coffee and pastries at 8:00 a.m., then zazen from 8:15 to 8:40, work circle at 8:45, with work starting at 9:00. Lunch will be provided by our tenzos from noon until work circle at 12:45 p.m., and we’ll wind up with informal zazen 3:15‒3:30.  Greg Denny will be the Work Leader for the day.

    Come and join the festivities of caring for our temple property. Whether you are here for part or the entire work day, all who enter through our gates reap the benefits of our efforts!

    If you would like to join us, please contact me, Greg Denny, either by email (gr...@techsperience.org) or phone (510.402.8282). Please also let me know which of the following categories of work you are able to participate in:

    - cleaning

    - gardening

    - painting

    - simple carpentry or building-related tasks, possibly using tools like drills or saws

    Some work may get you dirty. Dress appropriately.

    Finally, we will be adhering to the following covid protocols:

    - vaccination and one booster required. If you have not already done so, please email your vax info to BZC’s office manager Helen Cheng.

    - all must wear a KN94, KN95, or N95 mask while indoors. We are also recommending that people wear it outdoors as much as possible.

    Any questions, let me know.....    Greg

    Board Meeting

    Board Meeting


    Sun, Jun 5, 2022

  • Shosan with Abbot Hozan

    Shosan with Abbot Hozan


    Mon, Jun 6, 2022

    All Practice Period participants are invited to come and ask a question. This will take place on-line only beginning at 7:30am. Thank you.

  • Five-Day Sesshin

    Five-Day Sesshin


    Wed, Jun 8, 2022

    Abbot Hozan will lead our five-day sesshin on Wednesday through Sunday, June 8‒12. It will be in a hybrid (Zoom and/or in-person) format. For more details, see this news post. Sign up through this link.

    When paying for sesshin, please indicate on your check or in the PayPal note field that your donation is for the “June five-day sesshin.” The sesshin fee is $15 a day. Mail a check to BZC Office Manager, 1931 Russell St., Berkeley, CA 94703, or pay through the website using the “Sits/Classes” tab on the “Donate” page. Please consider a donation to Berkeley Zen Center above the suggested fee to help us maintain our practice.

    If you have questions, please contact the Sesshin Director, Rob Lyons at <RobertLyons2305@gmail.com>.

    Wednesday Night Drop In Sitting and Study

    Wednesday Night Drop In Sitting and Study


    Wed, Jun 8, 2022

    Parent/Guardian Dharma Study and Support Group

    Parent/Guardian Dharma Study and Support Group


    Wed, Jun 8, 2022

    New in 2022!  We're launching an online parent dharma group (to become in person with childcare when Covid allows). The idea is for us to support each other in holding and growing our parenting as an expression of practice. The theme for our first meeting is Taking Refuge in Buddha.

    We will meet on the 2nd Wednesdays at 8 pm. I am convening the group, and it will include visits by other BZC practice leaders.
    Upcoming meetings:

    May 11
    Note - NO MEETING June 8

    Note that this meeting will not be in the main Online Zendo, but in the room where we offer Zazen Instruction - link is on the website below the Online Zendo link on the home page, and will be sent to those who let me know they are coming.

    If interested in joining us, or for more information, email Laurie Senauke (lauriesenauke@gmail.com)

  • Five-Day Sesshin

    Five-Day Sesshin


    Thu, Jun 9, 2022

    Abbot Hozan will lead our five-day sesshin on Wednesday through Sunday, June 8‒12. It will be in a hybrid (Zoom and/or in-person) format. For more details, see this news post. Sign up through this link.

    When paying for sesshin, please indicate on your check or in the PayPal note field that your donation is for the “June five-day sesshin.” The sesshin fee is $15 a day. Mail a check to BZC Office Manager, 1931 Russell St., Berkeley, CA 94703, or pay through the website using the “Sits/Classes” tab on the “Donate” page. Please consider a donation to Berkeley Zen Center above the suggested fee to help us maintain our practice.

    If you have questions, please contact the Sesshin Director, Rob Lyons at <RobertLyons2305@gmail.com>.

  • Five-Day Sesshin

    Five-Day Sesshin


    Fri, Jun 10, 2022

    Abbot Hozan will lead our five-day sesshin on Wednesday through Sunday, June 8‒12. It will be in a hybrid (Zoom and/or in-person) format. For more details, see this news post. Sign up through this link.

    When paying for sesshin, please indicate on your check or in the PayPal note field that your donation is for the “June five-day sesshin.” The sesshin fee is $15 a day. Mail a check to BZC Office Manager, 1931 Russell St., Berkeley, CA 94703, or pay through the website using the “Sits/Classes” tab on the “Donate” page. Please consider a donation to Berkeley Zen Center above the suggested fee to help us maintain our practice.

    If you have questions, please contact the Sesshin Director, Rob Lyons at <RobertLyons2305@gmail.com>.

  • Five-Day Sesshin

    Five-Day Sesshin


    Sat, Jun 11, 2022

    Abbot Hozan will lead our five-day sesshin on Wednesday through Sunday, June 8‒12. It will be in a hybrid (Zoom and/or in-person) format. For more details, see this news post. Sign up through this link.

    When paying for sesshin, please indicate on your check or in the PayPal note field that your donation is for the “June five-day sesshin.” The sesshin fee is $15 a day. Mail a check to BZC Office Manager, 1931 Russell St., Berkeley, CA 94703, or pay through the website using the “Sits/Classes” tab on the “Donate” page. Please consider a donation to Berkeley Zen Center above the suggested fee to help us maintain our practice.

    If you have questions, please contact the Sesshin Director, Rob Lyons at <RobertLyons2305@gmail.com>.

    Lecture: Abbot Hozan

    Lecture: Abbot Hozan


    Sat, Jun 11, 2022

    Saturday Program Link (ie, Online Zendo)
        • Zendo opens:       8:30 am
        • Zazen:                      8:40 – 9:20
        • Service:                   9:20 – 9:30
        • Kinhin/break       9:30  – 9:40
        • Zazen:                      9:40 – 10:10
        • Lecture:                  10:15 – 11:15

    Meeting ID: 657 798 2914
    Passcode: bzc

  • Five-Day Sesshin

    Five-Day Sesshin


    Sun, Jun 12, 2022

    Abbot Hozan will lead our five-day sesshin on Wednesday through Sunday, June 8‒12. It will be in a hybrid (Zoom and/or in-person) format. For more details, see this news post. Sign up through this link.

    When paying for sesshin, please indicate on your check or in the PayPal note field that your donation is for the “June five-day sesshin.” The sesshin fee is $15 a day. Mail a check to BZC Office Manager, 1931 Russell St., Berkeley, CA 94703, or pay through the website using the “Sits/Classes” tab on the “Donate” page. Please consider a donation to Berkeley Zen Center above the suggested fee to help us maintain our practice.

    If you have questions, please contact the Sesshin Director, Rob Lyons at <RobertLyons2305@gmail.com>.

  • Zendo Holiday - Informal Zazen Only

    Zendo Holiday - Informal Zazen Only


    Mon, Jun 13, 2022

    There will be no talk or discussion this morning.  Informal zazen at 6:00 am, 7:30 am and 5:40 pm.

  • Wednesday Night Drop In Sitting and Study

    Wednesday Night Drop In Sitting and Study


    Wed, Jun 15, 2022

  • Lecture: Carol Paul

    Lecture: Carol Paul


    Sat, Jun 18, 2022

    Saturday Program Link (ie, Online Zendo)
        • Zendo opens:       8:30 am
        • Zazen:                      8:40 – 9:20
        • Service:                   9:20 – 9:30
        • Kinhin/break       9:30  – 9:40
        • Zazen:                      9:40 – 10:10
        • Lecture:                  10:15 – 11:15

    Meeting ID: 657 798 2914
    Passcode: bzc

    Sojun Roshi "Taiya" Memorial

    Sojun Roshi "Taiya" Memorial


    Sat, Jun 18, 2022

    As is traditional in our Soto Zen style, we will hold this smaller, more intimate and simple memorial ceremony at BZC, called taiya in Japanese, primarily for the BZC community.

    Because Covid conditions and protocols still apply, in-person attendance for both this and the funeral on Sunday has been limited and we are now fully subscribed. You are encouraged to join either or both of these events online. 
    For the Saturday evening memorial, go to the usual link for daily zazen.
  • Sojun Roshi Funeral

    Sojun Roshi Funeral


    Sun, Jun 19, 2022

    At Green Gulch Farm. For more info, follow this link.

  • Way-Seeking Mind Talk: Dan Jackson

    Way-Seeking Mind Talk: Dan Jackson


    Mon, Jun 20, 2022

    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 Sitting and Study

    Wednesday Night Drop In Sitting and Study


    Wed, Jun 22, 2022

  • Lecture: Zenshin Greg Fain

    Lecture: Zenshin Greg Fain


    Sat, Jun 25, 2022

    Saturday Program Link (ie, Online Zendo)
        • Zendo opens:       8:30 am
        • Zazen:                      8:40 – 9:20
        • Service:                   9:20 – 9:30
        • Kinhin/break       9:30  – 9:40
        • Zazen:                      9:40 – 10:10
        • Lecture:                  10:15 – 11:15

    Meeting ID: 657 798 2914
    Passcode: bzc

  • Way-Seeking Mind Talk: Ten Bartholomew

    Way-Seeking Mind Talk: Ten Bartholomew


    Mon, Jun 27, 2022

    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 Sitting and Study

    Wednesday Night Drop In Sitting and Study


    Wed, Jun 29, 2022