Calendar

2025 BZC Calendar of Events

Weekly Schedule

Week of May 5th

  • Shuso's WSM Talk: Mark Copithorne

    Shuso's WSM Talk: Mark Copithorne


    Mon, May 5, 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.

  • Lotus Sutra Class

    Lotus Sutra Class


    Thu, May 8, 2025

    Practice Period Class on The Lotus Sutra
    Linda and Greg will be co-teaching a 5-week class on the Lotus Sutra during  practice period. This will be an introduction to the Sutra, emphasizing why it is important in the Dogen Zen tradition, and touching on some of the more important teachings and stories to be found therein. Their aim is to have it be lively, engaging, and enjoyable for all!
    Classes will be on  Thursday evenings from 7:15 to 8:45 beginning May 8  and ending on June 5.The class will be hybrid. Class fee is $50.
    To register, please complete this brief form, which allows us to share updates. Here's the link:
    You do not need to participate in practice period in order to attend.
    If you have questions, please contact the Class Coordinator Ryushin at andrea.thach@gmail.com
  • Zazen Refresher

    Zazen Refresher


    Fri, May 9, 2025

    Linda and Greg will offer some tips on our basic practice of zazen, as we dive into our Spring Practice Period.

  • Dharma Talk: Rev. Ryuei Michael McCormick

    Dharma Talk: Rev. Ryuei Michael McCormick


    Sat, May 10, 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