Calendar

2024 BZC Calendar of Events

Weekly Schedule

Week of Nov 16th

  • 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.