Classes and Groups
Please check the calendar at the bottom of this page for specific dates.
Suggested donation for each study group is $10 for sustaining members and $13 for contributing members.
Santa Cruz Zen Center relies on fees and donations to continue its mission. If you can pay more, please consider doing so. If you cannot pay the fee listed, please pay what you can. We invite you to approach the teacher/leader of your group if you have questions about fees.
Ongoing: Mondays 7:50-8:30am
Weekly Dharma Study Group on Mondays
Led by Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh
We take turns reading a paragraph from our current text selection out loud, stopping to discuss whenever anyone would like to. We are reading Living by Vow. This is a commentary on our daily Zen chants by Shohaku Okumura. In a clear and engaging voice, Okumura roshi explains the historical side as well as the noumenal side of our core Zen teachings.
Ongoing: one SATURDAY MORNING per month 9:30-10:30 AM sangha home
Parent Support Group
This is our new support group for parents and people who are helping parents or children. Let’s provide support for each other by listening to one another. We will discuss how we care for our families, make time for practice, how practice helps us, and other topics. Also on Zoom. Please email sarammclellan@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Ongoing: one tuesday at noon per month (contact steve for location)
Earth Care Group
How can we engage in care for the Earth as an expression of our spiritual practice?
How might we weave together activism and our Bodhisattva Vows? Please join us monthly at noon on Tuesday in the Sangha House to explore ways we can engage in our practice to address the environmental and climate crises.
May we bring the Warm Jewels of our practice out into the world:
Presence, Compassion, Interbeing, Service
For more information, please contact Steve at Steve@stevepalmisano.com
Ongoing: one thursday eve per month 6:45-8 pm sangha home
Sometimes we feel anxious, depressed, powerless, restless, stressed out.
Sometimes we feel stable and ready to offer support and encouragement.
The Wellness Group is a support group for everyone. We will recite Maylie's Prayer for Peace together. We will practice deep listening. We will share how we care for ourselves. We will help each other to continually cultivate the ground of peace for ourselves and others. There is also the option to attend via Zoom. See our Calendar for the next meeting.
Ongoing: first Tuesdays, 6:40-8:00 pm
Awakening Together
Led by Val Miranda and Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh
A study discussion group taking an inward look at race and racism within our hearts and minds.
By area law professor and mindfulness teacher, Rhonda V. Magee, steers us in the direction of healing our racialized world in her book, The Inner Work of Racial Justice, Healing Ourselves and Transforming Our Communities Through Mindfulness.
Ongoing: FIRST THURSDAYS 6:35-8PM
Foundations of Buddhism
Led by Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh
We are studying the foundational poem on non-duality, Trust in Mind, by our third ancestor in China, Sengcan. We are guided by the commentary entitled Trust in Mind by Zen teacher, Mu Soeng.
Ongoing: some Thursdays, 6:45-8pm and Some sundays, 1:00-3:00pm
please check the calendar below for dates
Sewing Buddha’s Robe
Led by Rev. Gene Bush
Anybody who is sewing a rakusu with the permission of their teacher is welcome to sew with us. Please come for instruction or community. Participation by those who need to sew an envelope, repair an old rakusu or robe, or wish to sew a robe as a gift, is also encouraged.
More Information
Ongoing: Generally Third Saturday of the month, 1:00-2:00pm
please check the calendar below for dates
Introduction To Zen
A monthly introduction to the body and mind of Zen meditation and the forms of practice at SCZC. This meeting includes sitting and walking meditation, and discussion. Everyone is welcome. This usually occurs the third Saturday of every month, but please double-check the monthly events calendar to confirm.
friday evenings 7-8 pm at sczc
Recovery Group - Meditate and End Addiction with Hungry Ghosts United
Friday evenings, in-person at SCZC, 7pm to 8pm, beginning September 2, 2022.
Hungry Ghosts United is a meditation-based addiction recovery society. We use meditation as the foundation for a complete recovery practice. This is an opportunity to receive support for substance use recovery efforts. Along with Buddhist practitioners, we meditate and offer support to each other. These meetings are in person at Santa Cruz Zen Center on School Street. Everyone is welcome.