Welcome to BZC

Message from Abbot Hozan

My recovery continues to be a bumpy road, but still a road to getting home. On April 12 I had a small heart attack during dialysis, and on the following Monday I had angioplasty for a partially blocked artery. This is a procedure I’ve had a couple other times, back in the 20th century.

I am so happy that the sangha will be embarking on another practice period beginning May 4; I would like to join online as I am able. I have complete confidence in the teaching being offered for these next six weeks, and I hope to be home by July 1. I’ve been meeting with sangha leadership for several weeks and will continue to pick up the various threads of our sangha life.

Love,
Hozan

To keep up with the latest developments, visit the “Journal” section at Hozan’s Caring Bridge site: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alanhozans
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Spring Practice Period (May 4th- June 16th)

2024 SPRING PRACTICE PERIOD begins with a one-day sesshin (see below) on May 4th, 5:00 AM –5:30 PM.

SEEING ONE THING THROUGH is the title of Sojun Roshi’s book and our theme for this practice period. Using lectures from his book, senior students will lead our usual Practice Period activities with Saturday Dharma talks, WSM talks, a class series, and group teas.

There will also be an all Sangha Work Day and Sangha Practice Period Dinner at BZC. Practice Period will close with a 5-Day Sesshin led by a group of senior student . (See calendar for all events).

See the Practice Period Page for registration, full calendar and news.

 

Upcoming Sittings and Sesshins

One-Day Sesshin, May 4th

Berkeley Zen Center will open its 2024 Spring Practice Period with a one-day sesshin on May 4th, led by Carol Paul. We will be returning to our pre-pandemic start time of 5:00am and it will last until 5:30pm.
The suggested sesshin fee is $35 for in person attendees and $15 for online attendance. You can make a payment by PayPal at https://berkeleyzencenter.org/support-bzc/ or mail a check to
Berkeley Zen Center Office Manager
1931 Russell Street
Berkeley, CA 94703

In-person attendance will be limited to 33 people. If more than that sign up, they will be placed on a waiting list. There will also be an online option.

Proof of vaccination is still required. If Berkeley Zen Center does not have your records on file, please send them to bzcofficemanager@gmail.com.
Breakfast and lunch will be served in the oriyoki style. Guest bowls will be available. An oriyoki training will be offered during the second period of zazen.
Mark Copithorne will be the sesshin director. Contact him with questions at copithorne@hotmail.com or 510.703.5465.
Sign up for the May 4th one-day sesshin here: https://forms.gle/QRVb9HMtpTQw8r4eA

 

Half-day Sitting, May 19th

There will be a half-day sitting at BZC’s zendo on Sunday, May 19, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to noon. We will have five periods of sitting and three of kinhin, with a water break in the middle. This is a nice, quiet way to begin the day, and all are welcomed. Please submit your vaccination information to the BZC Office Manager (bzcofficemanager@gmail.com) if you have not done so. Otherwise, bring your proof of vaccination card.

Suggested donation is $10. You can sign up by emailing the Director Gary Artim at gartim@gmail.com. He will also be happy to answer any questions you may have.