Sundays, April 21, 28, May 12, 19, 6:40-8:00pm

Practicing with the precepts is thoroughly exploring the Self and its relationship with the world. Katherine Thanas said that the precepts point to one thing —“Be Buddha.” The class will use hand-outs, group discussion, and our own experience to bring energy to our practice of the precepts. This is a good class for people just starting practice or thinking about Jukai. Seasoned practitioners are invited to deepen their work with the precepts. Sustaining members, $28 for the series.  All others, $40.

May 15, 6:35pm – Kokyo Henkel

Saturday, May 18, begins at 9:20am, potluck lunch at noon.

Sunday May 19, 9:00 - 3:30. $55 (Sustaining members), $65 (others)
After a period of zazen there will be time for warmup writing followed by discussion of prose and poetry. After this we will spend much of our time outside, enjoying Spring by cultivating close and loving attention to what appears before us, and allowing words to come forth to express what's in our heart. There will be time for sharing, both morning and afternoon, and we invite you to bring a bag lunch. Bring lots of paper and something to write with and prepare to be surprised. This year we will gather at a rustic retreat location in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains. Directions will be provided upon registration. A complete description is on our Zen Events page. Click here.

May 22, 6:35pm – Kokyo Henkel

Friday, May 24, 5:45-6:30pm (instead of evening zazen)

Saturday, May 25, 10am-noon.

A monthly introduction to the body & mind of Zen meditation and the forms of practice at SCZC. The morning includes sitting and walking meditation, and discussion. Everyone is welcome, free of charge.

Monday, May 27, 6:25am, at time of morning service

May 29, 6:35pm – Patrick Teverbaugh

Saturday, June 1, begins at 9:20am, ends with potluck lunch at noon.
Sangha Day is a time to come together and help take care of the temple and grounds: cleaning the zendo, making candles, gar­dening, etc. Please bring something for a potluck lunch.

Sunday, June 2, 10am-noon.
Celebrate diversity with other Sangha members as we march with faith-based organizations, welcoming everyone to practice at Santa Cruz Zen Center. This event is a lot of fun – spending a sunny morning together, waving to the crowd, and manifesting the interconnectedness of our community!

June 5, 6:35pm – Kokyo Henkel

Saturday, June 8
Zen Center once again will open the Japanese Cultural Fair with a chant of well-being. While the Fair continues in the park with taiko drumming, food and crafts, we will host chado tea ceremony, sejiki ceremony for departed ancestors, bonzai demonstration, ikebana flower arranging, and kimono fashion show. We also will be selling cookies and pastries at the fair! Come on by.