Calendar

2025 BZC Calendar of Events

Weekly Schedule

Events in March 2025

  • Dharma Talk: Gerry Oliva

    Dharma Talk: Gerry Oliva


    Sat, Mar 1, 2025

    Full Saturday Program Schedule
    • 6:00-6:40 Zazen
    • 6:40-6:50 Kinhin
    • 6:50-7:20 Zazen
    • 7:20-7:40 Service
    • 7:40-8:30 Breakfast
    • 8:30-8:50 Break
    • 8:50-9:30 Work Practice
    • 9:30-10:05 Zazen
    • 10:05-10:15 Kinhin
    • 10:15-11:15 Dharma Talk
    • Followed By Informal Tea
  • March Half-day Sitting

    March Half-day Sitting


    Sun, Mar 2, 2025

    There will be a half-day sitting on Sunday, March 2, from 8:00 am to noon. We will have five periods of sitting and Kinhin, with a water break in the middle. This is a nice, quiet way to begin the day, and all are welcome.

    Zazen will be physically distanced, with a capacity of 31 people sitting in the Zendo. Windows will be open, so dress warmly, according to the weather. Masks are optional.

    Suggested donation is $10. To sign up or to ask any questions, please contact the director, Gary Artim (gartim@gmail.com).

  • Open Discussion

    Open Discussion


    Mon, Mar 3, 2025

  • Hsin Hsin Ming Class with Susan M and Ellen W

    Hsin Hsin Ming Class with Susan M and Ellen W


    Thu, Mar 6, 2025

    Hsin Hsin Ming Class

          The great way is not difficult
    for those who have no preferences.
    When love and hate are both absent
    everything becomes clear and undisguised.
    Make the smallest distinction, however,
    and heaven and earth are set infinitely apart.

    All are invited to join Ellen Webb and Susan Marvin in a study of the sixth-century Zen poem, the Hsin Hsin Ming (“Faith in Mind”). The class will meet on four Thursdays (March 6, 13, 20, 27), 7:15‒8:45 p.m.
          We are happy to be offering this class, after postponing it from its originally scheduled dates.
    This famous poem expresses the far-reaching truth of the enlightened mind, the Buddha mind in all of us. True faith is our grounded belief that we have this mind right here—constant, still, and central to our life of practice.
    More information and handouts will be forthcoming as the time nears. The class will be offered in hybrid form, though we encourage participants to attend in person if that is possible. Please watch for updates on the BZC listserv and on the BZC website. For now, mark your calendars!

  • Dharma Talk: Dan Gudgel

    Dharma Talk: Dan Gudgel


    Sat, Mar 8, 2025

    Full Saturday Program Schedule
    • 6:00-6:40 Zazen
    • 6:40-6:50 Kinhin
    • 6:50-7:20 Zazen
    • 7:20-7:40 Service
    • 7:40-8:30 Breakfast
    • 8:30-8:50 Break
    • 8:50-9:30 Work Practice
    • 9:30-10:05 Zazen
    • 10:05-10:15 Kinhin
    • 10:15-11:15 Dharma Talk
    • Followed By Informal Tea
  • Jizo Ceremony

    Jizo Ceremony


    Sun, Mar 9, 2025

    The loss of a loved one often opens a well of profound grief. No matter how the loved one dies, whether suddenly or slowly, whether through illness, accident, violence, miscarriage, abortion, or suicide, our sorrow is deep and may be long-lasting. To help families and friends in their process of grief, we will honor our lost loved ones in a ceremony in our Jizo garden on Sunday, March 9, 1:00‒3:00 p.m. Jizo, the Earth Store Bodhisattva, one of the four great bodhisattvas in the Mahayana school, is viewed as a wise and compassionate guide and protector for those who are enduringthe loss of a loved one, particularly the loss of a child. Jizo’s vow is to remain in the worlduntil all beings are free from suffering. Jizo appears in many gender embodiments, and they provide accompaniment as the dead
    pass out of this world.

    Before the ceremony we will spend time inthe community room  making a personal memorial token for a lost one, by writing a message or by making a simple necklace, a
    robe for our garden Jizo statue, or other offering. Attendees are also invited to bring a picture of their loved one or other personal
    tokens of remembrance for our altar.

    The ceremony will be led by two BZC priests, Gerry Oliva, a retired pediatrician, and Judy Fleischman, a hospice chaplain. All BZC members, members of other Zen groups, and neighborhood residents are invited to attend. A more detailed description will be posted on the BZC courtyard bulletin board. There is no fee,
    but offerings of dana are welcome. We will not have a sign-up sheet, but request that those attending let us know in advance so that we
    can have adequate supplies and refreshments.

    For more information or to let us know that
    you’re coming, contact Gerry Oliva at
    gryoliva@gmail.com or call 510-652-7217.

  • Way Seeking Mind Talk: Linda Hess

    Way Seeking Mind Talk: Linda Hess


    Mon, Mar 10, 2025

    There will be a 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.

  • Hsin Hsin Ming Class with Susan M and Ellen W

    Hsin Hsin Ming Class with Susan M and Ellen W


    Thu, Mar 13, 2025

    Hsin Hsin Ming Class

          The great way is not difficult
    for those who have no preferences.
    When love and hate are both absent
    everything becomes clear and undisguised.
    Make the smallest distinction, however,
    and heaven and earth are set infinitely apart.

    All are invited to join Ellen Webb and Susan Marvin in a study of the sixth-century Zen poem, the Hsin Hsin Ming (“Faith in Mind”). The class will meet on four Thursdays (March 6, 13, 20, 27), 7:15‒8:45 p.m.
          We are happy to be offering this class, after postponing it from its originally scheduled dates.
    This famous poem expresses the far-reaching truth of the enlightened mind, the Buddha mind in all of us. True faith is our grounded belief that we have this mind right here—constant, still, and central to our life of practice.
    More information and handouts will be forthcoming as the time nears. The class will be offered in hybrid form, though we encourage participants to attend in person if that is possible. Please watch for updates on the BZC listserv and on the BZC website. For now, mark your calendars!

  • March One-Day Sitting

    March One-Day Sitting


    Sat, Mar 15, 2025

    Berkeley Zen Center will host a one day sitting on Saturday March 15. The schedule begins at 5:00am and ends at 5:30pm. The dharma talk will be given by Ross Blum. Laurie will be the Doshi.  Ross will offer practice discussion and Laurie will offer dokusan.
    To register, click on this link: https://forms.gle/gihfA3SZ2TDMnKBs9
    Questions?  Contact Mark at copithorne@hotmail.com
    Berkeley Zen Center suggests a $35 donation for the day. A sliding scale is accepted. Online attendance is also possible at a $15 suggested donation.
    Dharma Talk: Ross Blum

    Dharma Talk: Ross Blum


    Sat, Mar 15, 2025

    Full Saturday Program Schedule
    • 6:00-6:40 Zazen
    • 6:40-6:50 Kinhin
    • 6:50-7:20 Zazen
    • 7:20-7:40 Service
    • 7:40-8:30 Breakfast
    • 8:30-8:50 Break
    • 8:50-9:30 Work Practice
    • 9:30-10:05 Zazen
    • 10:05-10:15 Kinhin
    • 10:15-11:15 Dharma Talk
    • Followed By Informal Tea
  • Way Seeking Mind Talk: Michael Changaris

    Way Seeking Mind Talk: Michael Changaris


    Mon, Mar 17, 2025

    There will be a 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.

  • Hsin Hsin Ming Class with Susan M and Ellen W

    Hsin Hsin Ming Class with Susan M and Ellen W


    Thu, Mar 20, 2025

    Hsin Hsin Ming Class

          The great way is not difficult
    for those who have no preferences.
    When love and hate are both absent
    everything becomes clear and undisguised.
    Make the smallest distinction, however,
    and heaven and earth are set infinitely apart.

    All are invited to join Ellen Webb and Susan Marvin in a study of the sixth-century Zen poem, the Hsin Hsin Ming (“Faith in Mind”). The class will meet on four Thursdays (March 6, 13, 20, 27), 7:15‒8:45 p.m.
          We are happy to be offering this class, after postponing it from its originally scheduled dates.
    This famous poem expresses the far-reaching truth of the enlightened mind, the Buddha mind in all of us. True faith is our grounded belief that we have this mind right here—constant, still, and central to our life of practice.
    More information and handouts will be forthcoming as the time nears. The class will be offered in hybrid form, though we encourage participants to attend in person if that is possible. Please watch for updates on the BZC listserv and on the BZC website. For now, mark your calendars!

  • Dharma Talk: Dave Rutschman

    Dharma Talk: Dave Rutschman


    Sat, Mar 22, 2025

    Full Saturday Program Schedule
    • 6:00-6:40 Zazen
    • 6:40-6:50 Kinhin
    • 6:50-7:20 Zazen
    • 7:20-7:40 Service
    • 7:40-8:30 Breakfast
    • 8:30-8:50 Break
    • 8:50-9:30 Work Practice
    • 9:30-10:05 Zazen
    • 10:05-10:15 Kinhin
    • 10:15-11:15 Dharma Talk
    • Followed By Informal Tea
  • Board Meeting

    Board Meeting


    Sun, Mar 23, 2025

    Board Meeting
    Sunday, 3/23, 9:00‒11:00am

  • Way Seeking Mind Talk: Nathan Britton

    Way Seeking Mind Talk: Nathan Britton


    Mon, Mar 24, 2025

    There will be a 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.

  • Hsin Hsin Ming Class with Susan M and Ellen W

    Hsin Hsin Ming Class with Susan M and Ellen W


    Thu, Mar 27, 2025

    Hsin Hsin Ming Class

          The great way is not difficult
    for those who have no preferences.
    When love and hate are both absent
    everything becomes clear and undisguised.
    Make the smallest distinction, however,
    and heaven and earth are set infinitely apart.

    All are invited to join Ellen Webb and Susan Marvin in a study of the sixth-century Zen poem, the Hsin Hsin Ming (“Faith in Mind”). The class will meet on four Thursdays (March 6, 13, 20, 27), 7:15‒8:45 p.m.
          We are happy to be offering this class, after postponing it from its originally scheduled dates.
    This famous poem expresses the far-reaching truth of the enlightened mind, the Buddha mind in all of us. True faith is our grounded belief that we have this mind right here—constant, still, and central to our life of practice.
    More information and handouts will be forthcoming as the time nears. The class will be offered in hybrid form, though we encourage participants to attend in person if that is possible. Please watch for updates on the BZC listserv and on the BZC website. For now, mark your calendars!

  • Dharma Talk: Gary Artim

    Dharma Talk: Gary Artim


    Sat, Mar 29, 2025

    Full Saturday Program Schedule
    • 6:00-6:40 Zazen
    • 6:40-6:50 Kinhin
    • 6:50-7:20 Zazen
    • 7:20-7:40 Service
    • 7:40-8:30 Breakfast
    • 8:30-8:50 Break
    • 8:50-9:30 Work Practice
    • 9:30-10:05 Zazen
    • 10:05-10:15 Kinhin
    • 10:15-11:15 Dharma Talk
    • Followed By Informal Tea
  • Women’s Sitting

    Women’s Sitting


    Sun, Mar 30, 2025

    Sunday, March 30.  8:00 a.m to 12:15 p.m.

    Suggested donation: $15. For more information, please contact Marie Hopper (marie_hopper@sbcglobal.net).

  • Way Seeking Mind Talk: Nathan Grover

    Way Seeking Mind Talk: Nathan Grover


    Mon, Mar 31, 2025

    There will be a 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.