My Calendar

Events in December 2020

  • Tuesday Evenings With Hozan Alan

    Tuesday Evenings With Hozan Alan


    Tue, Dec 1, 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, Dec 2, 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 - Birth and Death

    Group Dokusan with Sojun Roshi - Birth and Death


    Thu, Dec 3, 2020

    We will be focusing on a single subject this evening, Birth and Death. Please come with question(s) for Sojun-Roshi on that subject, no signing up is required, just raise your hand. Repeat questions are welcomed.

    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

  • Suzuki Roshi Annual Memorial Ceremony

    Suzuki Roshi Annual Memorial Ceremony


    Fri, Dec 4, 2020

    Each year, usually during Rohatsu sesshin, we commemorate Shunryu Suzuki Roshi’s passing (December 4, 1971). It is an opportunity for sangha members to remember and appreciate our root teacher. Our ceremony this year will take place in BZC’s online zendo at 5:45 p.m. on Friday, December 4.

  • Lecture: Hozan Alan Senauke

    Lecture: Hozan Alan Senauke


    Sat, Dec 5, 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, Dec 6, 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.

  • Open Discussion

    Open Discussion


    Mon, Dec 7, 2020

    Buddhist Women Ancestors Guiding the Way

    Buddhist Women Ancestors Guiding the Way


    Mon, Dec 7, 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, Dec 9, 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, Dec 10, 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: Ron Nestor

    Lecture: Ron Nestor


    Sat, Dec 12, 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


    Sat, Dec 12, 2020

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

  • Way-Seeking Mind Talk: Peter Overton

    Way-Seeking Mind Talk: Peter Overton


    Mon, Dec 14, 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.

  • Tuesday Evenings With Hozan Alan

    Tuesday Evenings With Hozan Alan


    Tue, Dec 15, 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

  • CANCELLED - Group Dokusan with Sojun Roshi

    CANCELLED - Group Dokusan with Sojun Roshi


    Thu, Dec 17, 2020

    Dear Friends,

    Sojun Roshi is not feeling well enough to do his Thursday evening “open dokusan” tonight. This is a disappointment. We feel both the loss of this evening’s event, and the great potential loss of Sojun’s physical presence in our midst. While Sojun is still with us, each of us can hold him carefully in our thoughts, and consider one important teaching of his that we carry through life. We will have many opportunities to gather and share as individuals and as a community. Please take good care.

    Gassho,

    Hozan

    More info, email Gary: gartim@gmail.com

  • Three Day Rohatsu Sesshin on Zoom

    Three Day Rohatsu Sesshin on Zoom


    Sat, Dec 19, 2020

    Berkeley Zen Center will host Rohatsu Sesshin on Zoom this year led by Hozan Sensei.
    Rohatsu begins Saturday, December 19th at 7am and continues through Monday December 21st at 5pm.
    Everyone is encouraged to sit all three days if possible. Depending on your schedule, you may participate one or two days.

    Once you SIGN UP HERE, you will receive the sesshin schedule, chants and sutras, and helpful information about how to prepare for sesshin at home.

    Please sign up no later than Wednesday, Dec. 16th.
    Dokusan with Hozan will be offered. Contact Kiká if interested.
    If this will be your first sesshin or if you have concerns, please contact me at sesshindirectorbzc@gmail.com.

    Traditionally the sesshin fee is $35/day, but the suggested fee for online sesshin is $15/day, or whatever you can afford. Pay online here or mail a check to the BZC Office Manager 1931 Russell St., Berkeley, CA 94703. Please consider a donation to Berkeley Zen Center beyond the suggested fee to help us maintain our practice through shelter-in-place. Your support is deeply appreciated.

  • Three Day Rohatsu Sesshin on Zoom

    Three Day Rohatsu Sesshin on Zoom


    Sun, Dec 20, 2020

    Berkeley Zen Center will host Rohatsu Sesshin on Zoom this year led by Hozan Sensei.
    Rohatsu begins Saturday, December 19th at 7am and continues through Monday December 21st at 5pm.
    Everyone is encouraged to sit all three days if possible. Depending on your schedule, you may participate one or two days.

    Once you SIGN UP HERE, you will receive the sesshin schedule, chants and sutras, and helpful information about how to prepare for sesshin at home.

    Please sign up no later than Wednesday, Dec. 16th.
    Dokusan with Hozan will be offered. Contact Kiká if interested.
    If this will be your first sesshin or if you have concerns, please contact me at sesshindirectorbzc@gmail.com.

    Traditionally the sesshin fee is $35/day, but the suggested fee for online sesshin is $15/day, or whatever you can afford. Pay online here or mail a check to the BZC Office Manager 1931 Russell St., Berkeley, CA 94703. Please consider a donation to Berkeley Zen Center beyond the suggested fee to help us maintain our practice through shelter-in-place. Your support is deeply appreciated.

    Young East Bay Zen Meet Up

    Young East Bay Zen Meet Up


    Sun, Dec 20, 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.

  • Three Day Rohatsu Sesshin on Zoom

    Three Day Rohatsu Sesshin on Zoom


    Mon, Dec 21, 2020

    Berkeley Zen Center will host Rohatsu Sesshin on Zoom this year led by Hozan Sensei.
    Rohatsu begins Saturday, December 19th at 7am and continues through Monday December 21st at 5pm.
    Everyone is encouraged to sit all three days if possible. Depending on your schedule, you may participate one or two days.

    Once you SIGN UP HERE, you will receive the sesshin schedule, chants and sutras, and helpful information about how to prepare for sesshin at home.

    Please sign up no later than Wednesday, Dec. 16th.
    Dokusan with Hozan will be offered. Contact Kiká if interested.
    If this will be your first sesshin or if you have concerns, please contact me at sesshindirectorbzc@gmail.com.

    Traditionally the sesshin fee is $35/day, but the suggested fee for online sesshin is $15/day, or whatever you can afford. Pay online here or mail a check to the BZC Office Manager 1931 Russell St., Berkeley, CA 94703. Please consider a donation to Berkeley Zen Center beyond the suggested fee to help us maintain our practice through shelter-in-place. Your support is deeply appreciated.

  • Zazen as Usual Morning and Evening

    Zazen as Usual Morning and Evening


    Thu, Dec 24, 2020

    Regular zazen morning and evening.

    Young East Bay Zen Meet Up

    Young East Bay Zen Meet Up


    Thu, Dec 24, 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.

  • Zazen as Usual Morning and Evening

    Zazen as Usual Morning and Evening


    Fri, Dec 25, 2020

    Regular zazen morning and evening.

  • Lecture: Mary Duryee

    Lecture: Mary Duryee


    Sat, Dec 26, 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: Hozan Alan Senauke

    Way-Seeking Mind Talk: Hozan Alan Senauke


    Mon, Dec 28, 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.

  • NO PM Zazen

    NO PM Zazen


    Thu, Dec 31, 2020

    No 5:40 zazen today.

    New Year's Eve Sitting

    New Year's Eve Sitting


    Thu, Dec 31, 2020

    As usual Berkeley Zen Center will have a New Year’s Eve sitting on the evening of December 31, but because of the Covid pandemic, it will be online this year. Please join us for all or any part of New Year’s Eve, sitting from 8:00 p.m. to midnight. Join us by going to the BZC website and clicking “Enter the Zendo Now.

    In the course of the evening we will alternate periods of zazen and kinhin, have informal tea together, and ring in the new year with 108 bells. Please join us in bidding farewell to 2020 and welcoming 2021. For more information, contact Carol Paul: caroljpaul@yahoo.com.