Santa Cruz Zen Center

The work of sitting quietly doing nothing,
waiting for our deepest experience to show up,
is one of the most truly creative actions we can take.

Katherine Thanas

Santa Cruz Zen Center

The work of sitting quietly doing nothing,
waiting for our deepest experience to show up,
is one of the most truly creative actions we can take.

Katherine Thanas

Santa Cruz Zen Center

The work of sitting quietly doing nothing,
waiting for our deepest experience to show up,
is one of the most truly creative actions we can take.

Katherine Thanas

Santa Cruz Zen Center

The work of sitting quietly doing nothing,
waiting for our deepest experience to show up,
is one of the most truly creative actions we can take.

Katherine Thanas

Santa Cruz Zen Center

The work of sitting quietly doing nothing,
waiting for our deepest experience to show up,
is one of the most truly creative actions we can take.

Katherine Thanas

Santa Cruz Zen Center

The work of sitting quietly doing nothing,
waiting for our deepest experience to show up,
is one of the most truly creative actions we can take.

Katherine Thanas

Santa Cruz Zen Center

The work of sitting quietly doing nothing,
waiting for our deepest experience to show up,
is one of the most truly creative actions we can take.

Katherine Thanas

Santa Cruz Zen Center

The work of sitting quietly doing nothing,
waiting for our deepest experience to show up,
is one of the most truly creative actions we can take.

Katherine Thanas

Santa Cruz Zen Center

The work of sitting quietly doing nothing,
waiting for our deepest experience to show up,
is one of the most truly creative actions we can take.

Katherine Thanas

warm jewel temple

Welcome

are you new?

We offer daily sittings in person and online via Zoom; regular weekly and monthly classes; and special events throughout the year. These special events include longer sittings, practice periods, classes, community events, and observance of the Soto Zen ceremonial calendar.

If you are new to Zen we offer a free Introduction to Zen class, usually on the third Saturday of the month. See the calendar for upcoming dates.

Join US Online Here

Moment by Moment

Upcoming

April 20 - Earth Day EarthCare Listening Station - Abbott Square

April 23 - Full Moon Bodhisattva Vow Renewal Ceremony

May 3 - Stone Carving Workshop - (limited enrollment, sign up to ensure your spot)

Santa Cruz Zen center complete zendo and event calendar

Combined Events List

Apr 18

Apr 18, 2024

6:40 PM – 7:40 PM18:40 – 19:406:40 PM – 7:40 PM

Foundations of Practice

Apr 18, 2024

6:40 PM – 7:40 PM18:40 – 19:406:40 PM – 7:40 PM

Apr 18, 2024

6:40 PM – 7:40 PM18:40 – 19:406:40 PM – 7:40 PM

Recovery Group at Santa Cruz Zen Center - Hungry Ghosts United

Apr 19

Apr 19, 2024

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM19:00 – 20:007:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Recovery Group at Santa Cruz Zen Center - Hungry Ghosts United

Apr 19, 2024

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM19:00 – 20:007:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Apr 19, 2024

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM19:00 – 20:007:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Earthcare Listening Station - Earth Day Downtown Santa Cruz - 12-2 pm

Apr 20

Apr 20, 2024

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM12:00 – 14:0012:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Earthcare Listening Station - Earth Day Downtown Santa Cruz - 12-2 pm

Apr 20, 2024

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM12:00 – 14:0012:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Apr 20, 2024

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM12:00 – 14:0012:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Apr 20

Apr 20, 2024

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM13:00 – 14:001:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Introduction to Zen

Apr 20, 2024

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM13:00 – 14:001:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Apr 20, 2024

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM13:00 – 14:001:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Apr 21

Apr 21, 2024

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM13:00 – 15:001:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Robe Sewing

Apr 21, 2024

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM13:00 – 15:001:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Apr 21, 2024

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM13:00 – 15:001:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Apr 22

Apr 22, 2024

7:50 AM – 8:50 AM07:50 – 08:507:50 AM – 8:50 AM

Weekly Dharma Study Group

Apr 22, 2024

7:50 AM – 8:50 AM07:50 – 08:507:50 AM – 8:50 AM

Apr 22, 2024

7:50 AM – 8:50 AM07:50 – 08:507:50 AM – 8:50 AM

Full Moon Bodhisattva Vow Renewal Ceremony

Apr 23

Apr 23, 2024

6:00 PM – 6:30 PM18:00 – 18:306:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Full Moon Bodhisattva Vow Renewal Ceremony

Apr 23, 2024

6:00 PM – 6:30 PM18:00 – 18:306:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Apr 23, 2024

6:00 PM – 6:30 PM18:00 – 18:306:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Wednesday Eve Dharma talk (zazen at 6 pm)

Apr 24

Apr 24, 2024

6:40 PM – 7:40 PM18:40 – 19:406:40 PM – 7:40 PM

Wednesday Eve Dharma talk (zazen at 6 pm)

Apr 24, 2024

6:40 PM – 7:40 PM18:40 – 19:406:40 PM – 7:40 PM

Apr 24, 2024

6:40 PM – 7:40 PM18:40 – 19:406:40 PM – 7:40 PM

Apr 24

Apr 24, 2024

6:40 PM – 7:40 PM18:40 – 19:406:40 PM – 7:40 PM

Wednesday Eve Dharma talk (zazen at 6 pm)

Apr 24, 2024

6:40 PM – 7:40 PM18:40 – 19:406:40 PM – 7:40 PM

Apr 24, 2024

6:40 PM – 7:40 PM18:40 – 19:406:40 PM – 7:40 PM

Apr 25

Apr 25, 2024

6:45 PM – 8:00 PM18:45 – 20:006:45 PM – 8:00 PM

Wellness Group - Monthly

Apr 25, 2024

6:45 PM – 8:00 PM18:45 – 20:006:45 PM – 8:00 PM

Apr 25, 2024

6:45 PM – 8:00 PM18:45 – 20:006:45 PM – 8:00 PM

Apr 26

Apr 26, 2024

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM19:00 – 20:007:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Recovery Group at Santa Cruz Zen Center - Hungry Ghosts United

Apr 26, 2024

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM19:00 – 20:007:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Apr 26, 2024

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM19:00 – 20:007:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Apr 27

Apr 27, 2024

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM09:30 – 10:309:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Parent Support Group - In Person Only

Apr 27, 2024

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM09:30 – 10:309:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Apr 27, 2024

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM09:30 – 10:309:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Apr 27

Apr 27, 2024

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM13:30 – 15:001:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Zen in Art

Apr 27, 2024

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM13:30 – 15:001:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Apr 27, 2024

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM13:30 – 15:001:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Sunday Suppers for a Sustainable Planet (with cooking lessons)

Apr 28

Apr 28, 2024

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM17:00 – 19:005:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Sunday Suppers for a Sustainable Planet (with cooking lessons)

Apr 28, 2024

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM17:00 – 19:005:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Apr 28, 2024

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM17:00 – 19:005:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Apr 29

Apr 29, 2024

7:50 AM – 8:50 AM07:50 – 08:507:50 AM – 8:50 AM

Weekly Dharma Study Group

Apr 29, 2024

7:50 AM – 8:50 AM07:50 – 08:507:50 AM – 8:50 AM

Apr 29, 2024

7:50 AM – 8:50 AM07:50 – 08:507:50 AM – 8:50 AM

May 1

May 1, 2024

6:40 PM – 7:40 PM18:40 – 19:406:40 PM – 7:40 PM

Wednesday Eve Dharma talk (zazen at 6 pm)

May 1, 2024

6:40 PM – 7:40 PM18:40 – 19:406:40 PM – 7:40 PM

May 1, 2024

6:40 PM – 7:40 PM18:40 – 19:406:40 PM – 7:40 PM

May 2

May 2, 2024

6:40 PM – 7:40 PM18:40 – 19:406:40 PM – 7:40 PM

Foundations of Practice

May 2, 2024

6:40 PM – 7:40 PM18:40 – 19:406:40 PM – 7:40 PM

May 2, 2024

6:40 PM – 7:40 PM18:40 – 19:406:40 PM – 7:40 PM

Stone Carving Weekend at the Santa Cruz Zen Center

May 3

May 3, 2024 – May 5, 2024

6:45 PM18:456:45 PM

Stone Carving Weekend at the Santa Cruz Zen Center

May 3, 2024 – May 5, 2024

6:45 PM18:456:45 PM

May 3, 2024 – May 5, 2024

6:45 PM18:456:45 PM

May 3

May 3, 2024 – May 31, 2024

7:00 PM19:007:00 PM

Recovery Group at Santa Cruz Zen Center - Hungry Ghosts United

May 3, 2024 – May 31, 2024

7:00 PM19:007:00 PM

May 3, 2024 – May 31, 2024

7:00 PM19:007:00 PM

May 6

May 6, 2024

7:50 AM – 8:50 AM07:50 – 08:507:50 AM – 8:50 AM

Weekly Dharma Study Group

May 6, 2024

7:50 AM – 8:50 AM07:50 – 08:507:50 AM – 8:50 AM

May 6, 2024

7:50 AM – 8:50 AM07:50 – 08:507:50 AM – 8:50 AM

Awakening Together: The Spiritual Practice of Inclusivity and Community

May 7

May 7, 2024

6:45 PM – 8:00 PM18:45 – 20:006:45 PM – 8:00 PM

Awakening Together: The Spiritual Practice of Inclusivity and Community

May 7, 2024

6:45 PM – 8:00 PM18:45 – 20:006:45 PM – 8:00 PM

May 7, 2024

6:45 PM – 8:00 PM18:45 – 20:006:45 PM – 8:00 PM

May 8

May 8, 2024

6:40 PM – 7:40 PM18:40 – 19:406:40 PM – 7:40 PM

Wednesday Eve Dharma talk (zazen at 6 pm)

May 8, 2024

6:40 PM – 7:40 PM18:40 – 19:406:40 PM – 7:40 PM

May 8, 2024

6:40 PM – 7:40 PM18:40 – 19:406:40 PM – 7:40 PM

May 9

May 9, 2024

6:45 PM – 8:00 PM18:45 – 20:006:45 PM – 8:00 PM

Robe Sewing

May 9, 2024

6:45 PM – 8:00 PM18:45 – 20:006:45 PM – 8:00 PM

May 9, 2024

6:45 PM – 8:00 PM18:45 – 20:006:45 PM – 8:00 PM

May 10

May 10, 2024

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM19:00 – 20:007:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Recovery Group at Santa Cruz Zen Center - Hungry Ghosts United

May 10, 2024

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM19:00 – 20:007:00 PM – 8:00 PM

May 10, 2024

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM19:00 – 20:007:00 PM – 8:00 PM

May 12

May 12, 2024

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM19:00 – 20:007:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Aging Openly, Honestly, and Wisely

May 12, 2024

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM19:00 – 20:007:00 PM – 8:00 PM

May 12, 2024

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM19:00 – 20:007:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Earth Care/Climate Justice Practice Group (Note Day/Time)

May 14

May 14, 2024

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM12:00 – 13:3012:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Earth Care/Climate Justice Practice Group (Note Day/Time)

May 14, 2024

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM12:00 – 13:3012:00 PM – 1:30 PM

May 14, 2024

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM12:00 – 13:3012:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Wednesday Eve Dharma Talk (preceded by zazen)

May 15

May 15, 2024

6:40 PM – 9:40 PM18:40 – 21:406:40 PM – 9:40 PM

Wednesday Eve Dharma Talk (preceded by zazen)

May 15, 2024

6:40 PM – 9:40 PM18:40 – 21:406:40 PM – 9:40 PM

May 15, 2024

6:40 PM – 9:40 PM18:40 – 21:406:40 PM – 9:40 PM

May 17

May 17, 2024

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM19:00 – 21:007:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Recovery Group at Santa Cruz Zen Center - Hungry Ghosts United

May 17, 2024

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM19:00 – 21:007:00 PM – 9:00 PM

May 17, 2024

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM19:00 – 21:007:00 PM – 9:00 PM

May 18

May 18, 2024

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM09:30 – 12:009:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Sangha Day - Save the Date

May 18, 2024

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM09:30 – 12:009:30 AM – 12:00 PM

May 18, 2024

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM09:30 – 12:009:30 AM – 12:00 PM

May 18

May 18, 2024

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM13:00 – 14:001:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Introduction to Zen

May 18, 2024

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM13:00 – 14:001:00 PM – 2:00 PM

May 18, 2024

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM13:00 – 14:001:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Latest

News and Teachings

Apr 11, 2024

Interfaith Climate Service Update

Apr 11, 2024

Apr 9, 2024

EarthCare Update - Listening Station on Earth Day April 20th

Apr 9, 2024

Mar 29, 2024

Earth Care Updates: Listening Stations at Earth Day on 4/20 and more!

Mar 29, 2024

April 2024 EarthCare Actions

Mar 29, 2024

Mar 12, 2024

EarthCare Update

Mar 12, 2024

River Health Day - Coastal Watershed Council

Mar 12, 2024

Mar 11, 2024

April 5th - Interfaith Climate Service with Dayenu Circle Santa Cruz

Mar 11, 2024

Mar 5, 2024

Sunday Supper for a Sustainable Planet in March

Mar 5, 2024

Arousing Practice in the Midst of Delusion

Mar 5, 2024

Feb 27, 2024

Zen in Art in February

Feb 27, 2024

EarthCare Actions For You to Take in March 2024

Feb 27, 2024

EarthCare Update - February 24, 2024

Feb 27, 2024

Feb 24, 2024

Sesshin Opens Spring Practice Period

Feb 24, 2024

Feb 15, 2024

EarthCare Update - 2/21 Meeting at 10:30 am (time change)

Feb 15, 2024

Feb 8, 2024

Spring Practice Period Begins February 16th

Feb 8, 2024

Poetry Reading with Paula Jones on March 23 at 2 pm

Feb 8, 2024

Feb 7, 2024

Spring Practice Class: Arousing Practice in the Midst of Delusion

Feb 7, 2024

Jan 22, 2024

Santa Cruz Zen Center in MLK March on January 15th

Jan 22, 2024

Jan 10, 2024

Until We Meet Again Earth Lovers - Departing for Tassajara

Jan 10, 2024

Jan 9, 2024

Inaugural Sunday Supper for a Sustainable Planet

Jan 9, 2024

Jan 1, 2024

Earth Care Update

Jan 1, 2024

Zen in Art Continues into 2024

Jan 1, 2024

Happy New Year 2024

Jan 1, 2024

Dec 30, 2023

Earth Care Actions Jan/Feb 2024

Dec 30, 2023

Dec 17, 2023

In the New Year! Saturday Mornings In Person Zazen - Starting Jan 6, 2024

Dec 17, 2023

Dec 12, 2023

Dayenu Interfaith Climate Action Update

Dec 12, 2023

Earth Care Actions December 2023

Dec 12, 2023

Recent

Dharma Talks

Dharma Talks Podcast

Apr 10, 2024

Steve Palmisano - Zen and Nature: Taking Refuge in the More-Than-Human World

Apr 10, 2024

Apr 4, 2024

Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh - What is the meaning of Spring? Day One Buddha's Birthday Sesshin

Apr 4, 2024

Apr 3, 2024

Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh - Buddha’s Birthday Sesshin & Concluding Spring Practice Period 2024

Apr 3, 2024

Mar 27, 2024

Rev. Neti Parech - Fragile Life

Mar 27, 2024

Mar 20, 2024

Sara McLellan - Intensive Training at Green Gulch Farm and the Bodhisattva Path

Mar 20, 2024

Mar 6, 2024

Rev. Rachel Grad - Artificial Intelligence (AI) Meets Zen

Mar 6, 2024

Feb 28, 2024

Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh - Buddha's Parinirvana

Feb 28, 2024

Feb 22, 2024

Rev. Cathy Toldi - Arousing Practice in the Midst of Delusion

Feb 22, 2024

Feb 18, 2024

Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh - Buddha's Parinirvana

Feb 18, 2024

Feb 17, 2024

Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh - purify hhe buddha field

Feb 17, 2024

Feb 16, 2024

Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh - purify the Buddha field

Feb 16, 2024

Feb 15, 2024

Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh - Valentines Day: Buddha Nature is Love

Feb 15, 2024

Jan 31, 2024

Edie Brown - Heart Sutra Arising

Jan 31, 2024

Jan 3, 2024

Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh - saying yes

Jan 3, 2024

Dec 6, 2023

Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh - Keizan-Seigan Chikan

Dec 6, 2023

Dec 5, 2023

Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh - Keizan-Seigan Gyoshi

Dec 5, 2023

Dec 4, 2023

Rohatsu Day 4 - Keizan-Prajnatara - Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh

Dec 4, 2023

Dec 3, 2023

Rohatsu Day 4 - Keizan/Vasubandhu - Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh

Dec 3, 2023

Dec 2, 2023

Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh - Keizan/Haklenayashas

Dec 2, 2023

Nov 29, 2023

Labyrinth - Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh

Nov 29, 2023

Nov 15, 2023

A Bodhisattva's Trust - Rev. Nannette Overley

Nov 15, 2023

Nov 8, 2023

Labyrinth - Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh

Nov 8, 2023

Nov 1, 2023

Alan Lessik

Nov 1, 2023

Oct 18, 2023

Reparative Justice

Oct 18, 2023

Oct 4, 2023

Practicing The Way In Uncertainty

Oct 4, 2023

Sep 27, 2023

My Teacher’s Teabowl

Sep 27, 2023

Sep 6, 2023

the big picture mind

Sep 6, 2023

Aug 30, 2023

moonlight swallows moonlight

Aug 30, 2023

Aug 26, 2023

Sesshin of Ease and Joy Day 2

Aug 26, 2023

Aug 25, 2023

Sesshin of Ease and Joy Day 1

Aug 25, 2023

santa cruz zen center monthly CALendar

Download a pdf of the 2024 Santa Cruz Zen Center Annual Events Calendar

Daily Sittings

Classes & Groups

Special Events

thousand hands

Offerings

SCZC is an active sangha with a wide range of offerings and many opportunities to connect. Beyond our online and in-person sitting schedule, talks, and classes, we offer many supports for the community and home practice.

Santa Cruz Zen Center

Santa Cruz Zen Center

Santa Cruz Zen Center

Santa Cruz Zen Center

Santa Cruz Zen Center

Santa Cruz Zen Center

Santa Cruz Zen Center

Santa Cruz Zen Center

Santa Cruz Zen Center

warm jewel temple

Welcome

We offer daily sittings in person and online via Zoom; regular weekly and monthly classes; and special events throughout the year. These special events include longer sittings, practice periods, classes, community events, and observance of the Soto Zen ceremonial calendar.

If you are new to Zen we offer a free Introduction to Zen class, usually on the third Saturday of the month. See the calendar for upcoming dates.

Moment by Moment

Upcoming

Latest

News and Teachings

Recent

Dharma Talks

Download a pdf of the 2024 Santa Cruz Zen Center Annual Events Calendar

thousand hands

Offerings

SCZC is an active sangha with a wide range of offerings and many opportunities to connect. Beyond our online and in-person sitting schedule, talks, and classes, we offer many supports for the community and home practice.

Sangha Support Net

Zen Center news and teachings

Attend online / remote resources

– Integrating Zen Practice and Everyday Life –

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