Hungry Ghosts United recovery group at Santa Cruz Zen Center on Friday evenings beginning Friday, September 2nd. Meditate and end additional with Hungry Ghosts.
All are welcome to join us for this introductory class which is usually held on the third Saturday of each month. Feel free to join and invite your friends to learn about the world of Zen Buddhism.
You will receive an introduction to the body and mind of Zen meditation and the forms of practice at Santa Cruz Zen Center. This includes instruction in sitting and walking meditation forms as well as an open discussion.
There is no charge for this class.
Please join us in person at the Santa Cruz Zen Center.
Illustration by Tomi Um.
Meeting Sunday 6:45 - 7:30 pm as of October 11, 2026 in the Zendo & on Zoom.
Koan Group will read together one koan from The Gateless Barrier The Wu-Men Kuan (Mumonkan) translated and with a commentary by Robert Aitken. At Koan Group, we will read the koan, sit for a few minutes, and talk about it. We will stay with one koan for three weeks to allow the koan to speak into our lives and reveal its truth.
Case 1: A monk asked Chao-chou, “Has the dog Buddha nature or not?”
Chao-chou said, “Mu.”
Rev. Sara Korei McLellan
Weekly Dharma Study Group on Monday mornings at 7:50 a.m. with Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh in person in the Sangha Home or on Zoom.
We are reading Becoming Yourself, Teachings on the Zen Way of Life by Shunryu Suzuki Join here.
Led by Rev. Gene Bush
@ 6:45 - 8:00 pm
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.
Fall Sesshin
Oct. 16 - 18
This Sesshin, and for the rest of the Practice Period, we will sit with the question “What is my relationship with the World.” We will look at this question through the lens of Dogen and Dongshan and their teaching: Insentient beings expound the Dharma.
Sesshin consists of meditation, oryoki meals, work practice and lectures. Please sign up for a minimum of two consecutive days. We will end on the last day with lunch.
Fees are $35/day for Sustaining Members or $40/day for all others. But it is your participation that is most valuable, so please donate only what your budget will allow.
Sign up below, and indicate what days you will attend, if you need oryoki bowls and/or need oryoki instruction, any food allergies.
The sesshin schedule is here.
Hungry Ghosts United recovery group at Santa Cruz Zen Center on Friday evenings beginning Friday, September 2nd. Meditate and end additional with Hungry Ghosts.
Meeting Sunday 6:45 - 7:30 pm as of October 11, 2026 in the Zendo & on Zoom.
Koan Group will read together one koan from The Gateless Barrier The Wu-Men Kuan (Mumonkan) translated and with a commentary by Robert Aitken. At Koan Group, we will read the koan, sit for a few minutes, and talk about it. We will stay with one koan for three weeks to allow the koan to speak into our lives and reveal its truth.
Case 1: A monk asked Chao-chou, “Has the dog Buddha nature or not?”
Chao-chou said, “Mu.”
Rev. Sara Korei McLellan
Weekly Dharma Study Group on Monday mornings at 7:50 a.m. with Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh in person in the Sangha Home or on Zoom.
We are reading Becoming Yourself, Teachings on the Zen Way of Life by Shunryu Suzuki Join here.
Please join SCZC members Pearl Kan and Ziggy Rendler-Bregman for an evening poetry reading.
Friday, October 23
7:00-8:00pm
Santa Cruz Zen Center
113 School Street, Santa Cruz
and on Zoom
(immediately following evening zazen and service, 6:00-6:40pm)
Pearl Kan is a Soto Zen priest with the Everyday Zen Foundation and Santa Cruz Zen Center. She participated in the The Muse in 2025. Her first book of poems, My Uppalavanna, was just released by Lavender Ink in September 2026.
Ziggy Rendler-Bregman travels the well worn path as poet and visual artist. She has published two collections of poetry and art: The Gate of Our Coming and Going and Into the Thicket through Olallieberry Press.
Poetry books will be available for purchase at the reading
Hungry Ghosts United recovery group at Santa Cruz Zen Center on Friday evenings beginning Friday, September 2nd. Meditate and end additional with Hungry Ghosts.
Meet fellow Zendo creatives and art lovers once a month to explore the intersection of Art & Zen. Let’s support our creative practices in art and life via prompts and exercises offered by Valéria (“Val”) Miranda, inspired by John Daido Loori’s book The Zen of Creativity and Julia Cameron’s The Artist Way.
Val is a long term SCZC practitioner who is an arts administrator and practices dance and visual arts. Please bring a journal with unruled pages or a sketchbook, pencil, and/or pen, and, as an option, art materials such as colored pencils/watercolors/, and images and words cut out from magazines.
Monthly on Saturdays - 1:30-3 pm in the Sangha Home
The Aging Group will meet 4:30pm-5:30pm on the third Sunday of each month, starting February 16.
For those who are practicing with aging. In this group we will talk about how we are practicing with our aging bodies and minds.
We will use the book “this is getting old,” by Susan Moon, as our template for discussion. Click on the book image below for a link to the publisher’s info.
Meeting Sunday 6:45 - 7:30 pm as of October 11, 2026 in the Zendo & on Zoom.
Koan Group will read together one koan from The Gateless Barrier The Wu-Men Kuan (Mumonkan) translated and with a commentary by Robert Aitken. At Koan Group, we will read the koan, sit for a few minutes, and talk about it. We will stay with one koan for three weeks to allow the koan to speak into our lives and reveal its truth.
Case 1: A monk asked Chao-chou, “Has the dog Buddha nature or not?”
Chao-chou said, “Mu.”
Rev. Sara Korei McLellan
Weekly Dharma Study Group on Monday mornings at 7:50 a.m. with Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh in person in the Sangha Home or on Zoom.
We are reading Becoming Yourself, Teachings on the Zen Way of Life by Shunryu Suzuki Join here.
Please join us at the Santa Cruz Zen Center for a Full Moon Bodhisattva Vow Renewal Ceremony in place of zazen/meditation. In person and on Zoom.
When: Monday, October 26, ~6:40 p.m. (after the full moon ceremony) onward. End time could be around 8 p.m.
Location: In person at SCZC
On the evening of the autumn full harvest moon, Dogen Zenji and his assembly spent the night gazing at the moon, writing poems, delivering "moon sermons" and having a special snack or tea. Join us in the SCZC courtyard for a moon viewing party of our own! No signup needed and no cost. Bring poetry, a story, a moon, or... ?
Hungry Ghosts United recovery group at Santa Cruz Zen Center on Friday evenings beginning Friday, September 2nd. Meditate and end additional with Hungry Ghosts.
Meeting Sunday 6:45 - 7:30 pm as of October 11, 2026 in the Zendo & on Zoom.
Koan Group will read together one koan from The Gateless Barrier The Wu-Men Kuan (Mumonkan) translated and with a commentary by Robert Aitken. At Koan Group, we will read the koan, sit for a few minutes, and talk about it. We will stay with one koan for three weeks to allow the koan to speak into our lives and reveal its truth.
Case 1: A monk asked Chao-chou, “Has the dog Buddha nature or not?”
Chao-chou said, “Mu.”
Rev. Sara Korei McLellan
Weekly Dharma Study Group on Monday mornings at 7:50 a.m. with Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh in person in the Sangha Home or on Zoom.
We are reading Becoming Yourself, Teachings on the Zen Way of Life by Shunryu Suzuki Join here.
A study discussion group taking an inward look at race and racism within our hearts and minds. Led by Val Miranda and Patrick Teverbaugh. First Tuesday of each month, 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Hungry Ghosts United recovery group at Santa Cruz Zen Center on Friday evenings beginning Friday, September 2nd. Meditate and end additional with Hungry Ghosts.
Meeting Sunday 6:45 - 7:30 pm as of October 11, 2026 in the Zendo & on Zoom.
Koan Group will read together one koan from The Gateless Barrier The Wu-Men Kuan (Mumonkan) translated and with a commentary by Robert Aitken. At Koan Group, we will read the koan, sit for a few minutes, and talk about it. We will stay with one koan for three weeks to allow the koan to speak into our lives and reveal its truth.
Case 1: A monk asked Chao-chou, “Has the dog Buddha nature or not?”
Chao-chou said, “Mu.”
Rev. Sara Korei McLellan
Weekly Dharma Study Group on Monday mornings at 7:50 a.m. with Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh in person in the Sangha Home or on Zoom.
We are reading Becoming Yourself, Teachings on the Zen Way of Life by Shunryu Suzuki Join here.
@ 6:40 pm In person at SCZC or on Zoom.
We usually meet one evening a month, 6:40 in-person and on Zoom to study some of the foundational teachings of our Buddhist lineage.
We are studying the Diamond Sutra this year. We'll examine Thich Nhat Hanh's commentary, the Diamond that Cuts Through Delusion. Katherine Roshi used this book in a class she taught in the mid '90s. I still have my underlined copy! On the internet I see many used book sites that sell it for less than $10 and here is a pdf version online as well.
The Sutra is divided into 32 short chapters, some of the chapters are just a few sentences long.
Hungry Ghosts United recovery group at Santa Cruz Zen Center on Friday evenings beginning Friday, September 2nd. Meditate and end additional with Hungry Ghosts.
The Aging Group will meet 4:30pm-5:30pm on the third Sunday of each month, starting February 16.
For those who are practicing with aging. In this group we will talk about how we are practicing with our aging bodies and minds.
We will use the book “this is getting old,” by Susan Moon, as our template for discussion. Click on the book image below for a link to the publisher’s info.
Meeting Sunday 6:45 - 7:30 pm as of October 11, 2026 in the Zendo & on Zoom.
Koan Group will read together one koan from The Gateless Barrier The Wu-Men Kuan (Mumonkan) translated and with a commentary by Robert Aitken. At Koan Group, we will read the koan, sit for a few minutes, and talk about it. We will stay with one koan for three weeks to allow the koan to speak into our lives and reveal its truth.
Case 1: A monk asked Chao-chou, “Has the dog Buddha nature or not?”
Chao-chou said, “Mu.”
Rev. Sara Korei McLellan
Weekly Dharma Study Group on Monday mornings at 7:50 a.m. with Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh in person in the Sangha Home or on Zoom.
We are reading Becoming Yourself, Teachings on the Zen Way of Life by Shunryu Suzuki Join here.
Led by Rev. Gene Bush
@ 6:45 to 8:00 pm
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.
Hungry Ghosts United recovery group at Santa Cruz Zen Center on Friday evenings beginning Friday, September 2nd. Meditate and end additional with Hungry Ghosts.
All are welcome to join us for this introductory class which is usually held on the third Saturday of each month. Feel free to join and invite your friends to learn about the world of Zen Buddhism.
You will receive an introduction to the body and mind of Zen meditation and the forms of practice at Santa Cruz Zen Center. This includes instruction in sitting and walking meditation forms as well as an open discussion.
There is no charge for this class.
Please join us in person at the Santa Cruz Zen Center.
Illustration by Tomi Um.
Led by Rev. Gene Bush
@ 1:00-3:00 pm
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.
Meeting Sunday 6:45 - 7:30 pm as of October 11, 2026 in the Zendo & on Zoom.
Koan Group will read together one koan from The Gateless Barrier The Wu-Men Kuan (Mumonkan) translated and with a commentary by Robert Aitken. At Koan Group, we will read the koan, sit for a few minutes, and talk about it. We will stay with one koan for three weeks to allow the koan to speak into our lives and reveal its truth.
Case 1: A monk asked Chao-chou, “Has the dog Buddha nature or not?”
Chao-chou said, “Mu.”
Rev. Sara Korei McLellan
Weekly Dharma Study Group on Monday mornings at 7:50 a.m. with Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh in person in the Sangha Home or on Zoom.
We are reading Becoming Yourself, Teachings on the Zen Way of Life by Shunryu Suzuki Join here.
Hungry Ghosts United recovery group at Santa Cruz Zen Center on Friday evenings beginning Friday, September 2nd. Meditate and end additional with Hungry Ghosts.
Meet fellow Zendo creatives and art lovers once a month to explore the intersection of Art & Zen. Let’s support our creative practices in art and life via prompts and exercises offered by Valéria (“Val”) Miranda, inspired by John Daido Loori’s book The Zen of Creativity and Julia Cameron’s The Artist Way.
Val is a long term SCZC practitioner who is an arts administrator and practices dance and visual arts. Please bring a journal with unruled pages or a sketchbook, pencil, and/or pen, and, as an option, art materials such as colored pencils/watercolors/, and images and words cut out from magazines.
Monthly on Saturdays - 1:30-3 pm in the Sangha Home
Meeting Sunday 6:45 - 7:30 pm as of October 11, 2026 in the Zendo & on Zoom.
Koan Group will read together one koan from The Gateless Barrier The Wu-Men Kuan (Mumonkan) translated and with a commentary by Robert Aitken. At Koan Group, we will read the koan, sit for a few minutes, and talk about it. We will stay with one koan for three weeks to allow the koan to speak into our lives and reveal its truth.
Case 1: A monk asked Chao-chou, “Has the dog Buddha nature or not?”
Chao-chou said, “Mu.”
Rev. Sara Korei McLellan
Weekly Dharma Study Group on Monday mornings at 7:50 a.m. with Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh in person in the Sangha Home or on Zoom.
We are reading Becoming Yourself, Teachings on the Zen Way of Life by Shunryu Suzuki Join here.
A study discussion group taking an inward look at race and racism within our hearts and minds. Led by Val Miranda and Patrick Teverbaugh. First Tuesday of each month, 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Hungry Ghosts United recovery group at Santa Cruz Zen Center on Friday evenings beginning Friday, September 2nd. Meditate and end additional with Hungry Ghosts.
Meeting Sunday 6:45 - 7:30 pm as of October 11, 2026 in the Zendo & on Zoom.
Koan Group will read together one koan from The Gateless Barrier The Wu-Men Kuan (Mumonkan) translated and with a commentary by Robert Aitken. At Koan Group, we will read the koan, sit for a few minutes, and talk about it. We will stay with one koan for three weeks to allow the koan to speak into our lives and reveal its truth.
Case 1: A monk asked Chao-chou, “Has the dog Buddha nature or not?”
Chao-chou said, “Mu.”
Rev. Sara Korei McLellan
Weekly Dharma Study Group on Monday mornings at 7:50 a.m. with Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh in person in the Sangha Home or on Zoom.
We are reading Becoming Yourself, Teachings on the Zen Way of Life by Shunryu Suzuki Join here.
@ 6:40 pm In person at SCZC or on Zoom.
We usually meet one evening a month, 6:40 in-person and on Zoom to study some of the foundational teachings of our Buddhist lineage.
The new book that we are reading for this foundations class is :"The Wholehearted Way, a translation of Eihei Dogen's Bendowa with commentary by Kosho Uchiyama Roshi."
Translated by Shohaku Okumura and Teigen Daniel Leighton
Hungry Ghosts United recovery group at Santa Cruz Zen Center on Friday evenings beginning Friday, September 2nd. Meditate and end additional with Hungry Ghosts.
Meeting Sunday 6:45 - 7:30 pm as of October 11, 2026 in the Zendo & on Zoom.
Koan Group will read together one koan from The Gateless Barrier The Wu-Men Kuan (Mumonkan) translated and with a commentary by Robert Aitken. At Koan Group, we will read the koan, sit for a few minutes, and talk about it. We will stay with one koan for three weeks to allow the koan to speak into our lives and reveal its truth.
Case 1: A monk asked Chao-chou, “Has the dog Buddha nature or not?”
Chao-chou said, “Mu.”
Rev. Sara Korei McLellan
Weekly Dharma Study Group on Monday mornings at 7:50 a.m. with Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh in person in the Sangha Home or on Zoom.
We are reading Becoming Yourself, Teachings on the Zen Way of Life by Shunryu Suzuki Join here.
Led by Rev. Gene Bush
@ 6:45 to 8:00 pm
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.
Hungry Ghosts United recovery group at Santa Cruz Zen Center on Friday evenings beginning Friday, September 2nd. Meditate and end additional with Hungry Ghosts.
All are welcome to join us for this introductory class which is usually held on the third Saturday of each month. Feel free to join and invite your friends to learn about the world of Zen Buddhism.
You will receive an introduction to the body and mind of Zen meditation and the forms of practice at Santa Cruz Zen Center. This includes instruction in sitting and walking meditation forms as well as an open discussion.
There is no charge for this class.
Please join us in person at the Santa Cruz Zen Center.
Illustration by Tomi Um.
Led by Rev. Gene Bush
@ 1:00-3:00 pm
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.
Meeting Sunday 6:45 - 7:30 pm as of October 11, 2026 in the Zendo & on Zoom.
Koan Group will read together one koan from The Gateless Barrier The Wu-Men Kuan (Mumonkan) translated and with a commentary by Robert Aitken. At Koan Group, we will read the koan, sit for a few minutes, and talk about it. We will stay with one koan for three weeks to allow the koan to speak into our lives and reveal its truth.
Case 1: A monk asked Chao-chou, “Has the dog Buddha nature or not?”
Chao-chou said, “Mu.”
Rev. Sara Korei McLellan
@ 6:40 pm In person at SCZC or on Zoom.
We usually meet one evening a month, 6:40 in-person and on Zoom to study some of the foundational teachings of our Buddhist lineage.
The new book that we are reading for this foundations class is :"The Wholehearted Way, a translation of Eihei Dogen's Bendowa with commentary by Kosho Uchiyama Roshi."
Translated by Shohaku Okumura and Teigen Daniel Leighton
A study discussion group taking an inward look at race and racism within our hearts and minds. Led by Val Miranda and Patrick Teverbaugh. First Tuesday of each month, 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Weekly Dharma Study Group on Monday mornings at 7:50 a.m. with Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh in person in the Sangha Home or on Zoom.
We are reading Becoming Yourself, Teachings on the Zen Way of Life by Shunryu Suzuki Join here.
Hungry Ghosts United recovery group at Santa Cruz Zen Center on Friday evenings beginning Friday, September 2nd. Meditate and end additional with Hungry Ghosts.
Weekly Dharma Study Group on Monday mornings at 7:50 a.m. with Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh in person in the Sangha Home or on Zoom.
We are reading Becoming Yourself, Teachings on the Zen Way of Life by Shunryu Suzuki Join here.
Meet fellow Zendo creatives and art lovers once a month to explore the intersection of Art & Zen. Let’s support our creative practices in art and life via prompts and exercises offered by Valéria (“Val”) Miranda, inspired by John Daido Loori’s book The Zen of Creativity and Julia Cameron’s The Artist Way.
Val is a long term SCZC practitioner who is an arts administrator and practices dance and visual arts. Please bring a journal with unruled pages or a sketchbook, pencil, and/or pen, and, as an option, art materials such as colored pencils/watercolors/, and images and words cut out from magazines.
Monthly on Saturdays - 1:30-3 pm in the Sangha Home
Hungry Ghosts United recovery group at Santa Cruz Zen Center on Friday evenings beginning Friday, September 2nd. Meditate and end additional with Hungry Ghosts.
Please join us at the Santa Cruz Zen Center for a Full Moon Bodhisattva Vow Renewal Ceremony in place of zazen/meditation. In person and on Zoom.
Weekly Dharma Study Group on Monday mornings at 7:50 a.m. with Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh in person in the Sangha Home or on Zoom.
We are reading Training in Compassion Zen Teachings On The Practice of Lojong by Norman Fischer.
The Aging Group will meet 4:30pm-5:30pm on the third Sunday of each month, starting February 16.
For those who are practicing with aging. In this group we will talk about how we are practicing with our aging bodies and minds.
We will use the book “this is getting old,” by Susan Moon, as our template for discussion. Click on the book image below for a link to the publisher’s info.
Led by Rev. Gene Bush
@ 1:00-3:00 pm
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.
All are welcome to join us for this introductory class which is usually held on the third Saturday of each month. Feel free to join and invite your friends to learn about the world of Zen Buddhism.
You will receive an introduction to the body and mind of Zen meditation and the forms of practice at Santa Cruz Zen Center. This includes instruction in sitting and walking meditation forms as well as an open discussion.
There is no charge for this class.
Please join us in person at the Santa Cruz Zen Center.
Illustration by Tomi Um.
A half-day sit led by Revs. Cathy Toldi and Rachel Grad
Location: In person and via SCZC Zoom
Leaders: Revs. Cathy Toldi and Rachel Grad
A morning of sitting meditation, suitable for all. Come for all or any part, in person or via SCZC Zoom. Santa Cruz Zen Center relies on fees and donations to continue its mission. Please pay what you can and talk to the coordinators if you have questions. Suggested donation: $12 for sustaining members, $15 for contributing members and others.
Schedule:
8:30-9:10 Zazen
9:10-9:20 Service
9:20-9:30 Kinhin
9:30-9:45 Talk
9:45-10:20 Zazen
10:20-10:35 Kinhin
10:35-11:05 Zazen
11:05-11:20 Talk
11:10-11:25 Talk
11:20-11:55 Zazen
11:55-12:00 Closing
Hungry Ghosts United recovery group at Santa Cruz Zen Center on Friday evenings beginning Friday, September 2nd. Meditate and end additional with Hungry Ghosts.
Celebrate the change of season with an early morning ceremony, 6:40am—7am, Friday, September 18. Bring a poem, a song, or a spontaneous expression to reflect the new season. It's a great way to acknowledge our intimacy with the natural world!
Led by Rev. Gene Bush
@ 6:45 to 8:00 pm
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.
Weekly Dharma Study Group on Monday mornings at 7:50 a.m. with Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh in person in the Sangha Home or on Zoom.
We are reading Training in Compassion Zen Teachings On The Practice of Lojong by Norman Fischer.
PEACE BEGINS WITHIN
Santa Cruz Comes Together for U.N. International Peace Day
In recognition of the United Nations International Peace Day**, Santa Cruz is doing what it does best—coming together to celebrate the many local people, organizations, and groups dedicated to cultivating peace as the foundation for personal transformation and collective harmony.
When we operate from a place of inner peace, every action ripples outward into our neighborhoods, our schools, and our streets. To guide us on this journey, we have invited speakers from some of Santa Cruz’s most deeply rooted community organizations. These are the folks who work daily on the front lines of empathy, conflict resolution, and ethical grounding. These organizations have been invited to speak and table to share all that they do!
Peace isn’t just a concept to be discussed—it is an experience to be felt, emotions and misunderstanding to be navigated. Throughout the day, the community is invited to dive into experiential workshops designed to soothe the nervous system and awaken an inner clarity and open heart.
Peace is a multigenerational practice. The Children’s Garden will have their very own collaborative art projects, a puppet show, joyful singing, and soulful storytelling, our youth will explore what interconnection means to them. It’s a space built for wonder, play, and cultivating kindness from an early age.
What is a Santa Cruz gathering without the arts? We are thrilled to feature live performances from incredible local artists who weave messages of healing and unity into their craft. Be moved by the transcendent sounds and expressions of local performers offering a sonic inspiraton.
We can’t wait to share this beautiful day!
Volunteers welcome! Contact: wisdomcenter.sc@gmail.com
Remembering Our Wholeness:
Tending to Wounds of the Heart through Ceremony
September 12, 2026
8:30 to 9:20 a.m. Meditation
Morning Service
9:20-10:15 a.m. Ceremony in the Park Nearby
Zen offers a deep tradition of using ceremony to heal wounded hearts. We were never meant to carry these burdens alone.
Through ceremony, we have an opportunity to create a sacred container together, a place where wounds, traumas, and other difficulties can be named and witnessed in community, then made into an offering.
These offerings can then be held by ancestors and bodhisattvas, beings with far greater spiritual capacities than our individual, small selves. In doing so, our burdens often end up feeling lighter, as we remember our own Buddha Body, our Innate Wholeness, connected to all of life.
We will offer a simple ceremony that includes meditation, creating a circle of community support, chanting, reciting blessings, making offerings, and releasing our wounds to the Earth.
All are welcome. For more information, please email steve@stevepalmisano.com or sarammclellan@gmail.com
Please note: this is not group therapy, nor group process, but rather a way to transform our relationship with difficulties through ceremony.
Hungry Ghosts United recovery group at Santa Cruz Zen Center on Friday evenings beginning Friday, September 2nd. Meditate and end additional with Hungry Ghosts.
@ 6:40 pm In person at SCZC or on Zoom.
We usually meet one evening a month, 6:40 in-person and on Zoom to study some of the foundational teachings of our Buddhist lineage.
The new book that we are reading for this foundations class is :"The Wholehearted Way, a translation of Eihei Dogen's Bendowa with commentary by Kosho Uchiyama Roshi."
Translated by Shohaku Okumura and Teigen Daniel Leighton
The Sutra is divided into 32 short chapters, some of the chapters are just a few sentences long.
A study discussion group taking an inward look at race and racism within our hearts and minds. Led by Val Miranda and Patrick Teverbaugh. First Tuesday of each month, 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Weekly Dharma Study Group on Monday mornings at 7:50 a.m. with Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh in person in the Sangha Home or on Zoom.
We are reading Training in Compassion Zen Teachings On The Practice of Lojong by Norman Fischer.
@ 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
Work practice, samu, is naturally a part of community life, giving us the chance to interact informally. Come to School Street and enjoy the company of dharma companions as we care for the grounds and the zendo.
There will be a pot luck after the work.
Hungry Ghosts United recovery group at Santa Cruz Zen Center on Friday evenings beginning Friday, September 2nd. Meditate and end additional with Hungry Ghosts.
Weekly Dharma Study Group on Monday mornings at 7:50 a.m. with Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh in person in the Sangha Home or on Zoom.
We are reading Training in Compassion Zen Teachings On The Practice of Lojong by Norman Fischer.
Hungry Ghosts United recovery group at Santa Cruz Zen Center on Friday evenings beginning Friday, September 2nd. Meditate and end additional with Hungry Ghosts.
“Sesshin” means to gather the heart/mind. Over the three days of extended sitting, participants have the opportunity to quiet the habitual chatter of the ego, and settle deeply into the True Self. Sesshin practice is a challenge to both body and mind and it is recommended that participants have done at least one day-sit or other extended meditation in the past.
Sign up below, and indicate what days you will attend, if you need oryoki bowls and/or need oryoki instruction, any food allergies.
There will be a Dharma talk each day, a daily work period, and formal oryoki meals. Those in attendance should plan on practicing the whole schedule, from 5:40am until 8:30pm each day (Sesshin ends at 3:15pm on Sunday). If unable to attend all 3 days, please sign up for at least two consecutive days.
The sesshin schedule is here.
The suggested donation for both Zoom and zendo participants is $35/day for contributing member, $40/day all others. But your participation is what we value the most, so please contribute only what your budget will allow.
Weekly Dharma Study Group on Monday mornings at 7:50 a.m. with Rev. Patrick Teverbaugh in person in the Sangha Home or on Zoom.
We are reading "Becoming Yourself," by Shunryu Suzuki.
Led by Rev. Gene Bush
@ 1:00-3:00 pm
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.
