Earth Care/Climate Justice Practice Group
May
13
12:00 PM12:00

Earth Care/Climate Justice Practice Group

The second Tuesday of each month.

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

in the Sangha House

to explore ways we can engage in our practice to

address the environmental and climate crises.

“The purpose of a human being is to participate in the flourishing of life…Beholding earth as a being, a magnificent being, a gorgeous being, a sacred being, we fall ever deeper in love.” -Charles Eisenstein, How the Environmental Movement Can Find Its Way Again

May we bring the Warm Jewels of our practice out into the world:

Presence, Compassion, Interbeing, Service

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Robe Sewing
May
15
6:45 PM18:45

Robe Sewing

Sewing Buddha’s Robe

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.

More Information

Contact Rev. Gene Bush

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Introduction to Zen
May
17
1:00 PM13:00

Introduction to Zen

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.

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Aging Openly, Honestly, and Wisely
May
18
4:30 PM16:30

Aging Openly, Honestly, and Wisely

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.

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Zen Listening Circles
May
22
5:00 PM17:00

Zen Listening Circles

In our Zen Meditation, we practice listening without judgment to our own sometimes diverging thoughts and feelings. Given our new government in the White House, these listening skills come in handy and can be put to good use in order for us and others to not succumb to feelings of isolation and hopelessness. Holding up common values, such as treating each other humanely and with dignity and goodwill, are the voices that need to be heard more than ever.

Therefore, we are creating a space for people to be heard, and to listen to others--hoping that more clear, powerful and effective communication and action will arise.

 As Zen practitioners, it is important to acknowledge that nobody is left out and that nobody is outside the system. We are all part of the same wonderful universe and planet, even though right now, it very much seems like we represent different sides of one coin.

The listening Circles are happening begin at 5 pm. People are encouraged to stay for Zazen, which it starts at 6 pm. The format will consist of both small group and larger group non-judgemental listening sessions. In the Sangha Home, 2nd and 4th Thursdays - confirm on calendar.

View Event →
Earth Care/Climate Justice Practice Group
Jun
10
12:00 PM12:00

Earth Care/Climate Justice Practice 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

in the Sangha House

to explore ways we can engage in our practice to

address the environmental and climate crises.

“The purpose of a human being is to participate in the flourishing of life…Beholding earth as a being, a magnificent being, a gorgeous being, a sacred being, we fall ever deeper in love.” -Charles Eisenstein, How the Environmental Movement Can Find Its Way Again

May we bring the Warm Jewels of our practice out into the world:

Presence, Compassion, Interbeing, Service

View Event →
Zen Listening Circles
Jun
12
5:00 PM17:00

Zen Listening Circles

In our Zen Meditation, we practice listening without judgment to our own sometimes diverging thoughts and feelings. Given our new government in the White House, these listening skills come in handy and can be put to good use in order for us and others to not succumb to feelings of isolation and hopelessness. Holding up common values, such as treating each other humanely and with dignity and goodwill, are the voices that need to be heard more than ever.

Therefore, we are creating a space for people to be heard, and to listen to others--hoping that more clear, powerful and effective communication and action will arise.

 As Zen practitioners, it is important to acknowledge that nobody is left out and that nobody is outside the system. We are all part of the same wonderful universe and planet, even though right now, it very much seems like we represent different sides of one coin.

The listening Circles are happening begin at 5 pm. People are encouraged to stay for Zazen, which it starts at 6 pm. The format will consist of both small group and larger group non-judgemental listening sessions. In the Sangha Home, 2nd and 4th Thursdays - confirm on calendar.

View Event →
Aging Openly, Honestly, and Wisely
Jun
15
4:30 PM16:30

Aging Openly, Honestly, and Wisely

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.

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No Zen in Art
Jun
28
1:30 PM13:30

No Zen in Art

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 and a local nonprofit arts administrator who 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

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Earth Care/Climate Justice Practice Group
Jul
8
12:00 PM12:00

Earth Care/Climate Justice Practice Group

The second Tuesday of each month.

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

in the Sangha House

to explore ways we can engage in our practice to

address the environmental and climate crises.

“The purpose of a human being is to participate in the flourishing of life…Beholding earth as a being, a magnificent being, a gorgeous being, a sacred being, we fall ever deeper in love.” -Charles Eisenstein, How the Environmental Movement Can Find Its Way Again

May we bring the Warm Jewels of our practice out into the world:

Presence, Compassion, Interbeing, Service

View Event →
Aging Openly, Honestly, and Wisely
Jul
20
4:30 PM16:30

Aging Openly, Honestly, and Wisely

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.

View Event →
Earth Care/Climate Justice Practice Group
Aug
12
12:00 PM12:00

Earth Care/Climate Justice Practice 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

in the Sangha House

to explore ways we can engage in our practice to

address the environmental and climate crises.

“The purpose of a human being is to participate in the flourishing of life…Beholding earth as a being, a magnificent being, a gorgeous being, a sacred being, we fall ever deeper in love.” -Charles Eisenstein, How the Environmental Movement Can Find Its Way Again

May we bring the Warm Jewels of our practice out into the world:

Presence, Compassion, Interbeing, Service

View Event →
Earth Care/Climate Justice Practice Group
Sep
9
12:00 PM12:00

Earth Care/Climate Justice Practice 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

in the Sangha House

to explore ways we can engage in our practice to

address the environmental and climate crises.

“The purpose of a human being is to participate in the flourishing of life…Beholding earth as a being, a magnificent being, a gorgeous being, a sacred being, we fall ever deeper in love.” -Charles Eisenstein, How the Environmental Movement Can Find Its Way Again

May we bring the Warm Jewels of our practice out into the world:

Presence, Compassion, Interbeing, Service

View Event →
Earth Care/Climate Justice Practice Group
Sep
9
12:00 PM12:00

Earth Care/Climate Justice Practice 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

in the Sangha House

to explore ways we can engage in our practice to

address the environmental and climate crises.

“The purpose of a human being is to participate in the flourishing of life…Beholding earth as a being, a magnificent being, a gorgeous being, a sacred being, we fall ever deeper in love.” -Charles Eisenstein, How the Environmental Movement Can Find Its Way Again

May we bring the Warm Jewels of our practice out into the world:

Presence, Compassion, Interbeing, Service

View Event →
Aging Openly, Honestly, and Wisely
Sep
21
4:30 PM16:30

Aging Openly, Honestly, and Wisely

The Aging Group will meet 4:30pm-5:30pm on the third Sunday of each month.

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.

View Event →
Earth Care/Climate Justice Practice Group
Oct
14
12:00 PM12:00

Earth Care/Climate Justice Practice 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

in the Sangha House

to explore ways we can engage in our practice to

address the environmental and climate crises.

“The purpose of a human being is to participate in the flourishing of life…Beholding earth as a being, a magnificent being, a gorgeous being, a sacred being, we fall ever deeper in love.” -Charles Eisenstein, How the Environmental Movement Can Find Its Way Again

May we bring the Warm Jewels of our practice out into the world:

Presence, Compassion, Interbeing, Service

View Event →
Aging Openly, Honestly, and Wisely
Oct
19
4:30 PM16:30

Aging Openly, Honestly, and Wisely

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.

View Event →
All Sangha Meeting
Nov
8
1:30 PM13:30

All Sangha Meeting

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at our annual ALL SANGHA MEETING at the Zen Center on Saturday, November 16 from 1:30 - 3 pm. We will also be joining together at 12 noon before the meeting for a plant-based potluck (all are welcome).

We welcome and look forward to hearing ideas from the Sangha on how to help Santa Cruz Zen Center thrive and fulfill its Mission of integrating Zen practice and everyday life and its Vision of keeping alive the Buddha’s open-hearted way, compassionately engaging with ourselves, our community and our world.

We also welcome those who can’t attend in person, to join us by Zoom.

Come, contribute your ideas to help Santa Cruz Zen Center thrive.

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Earth Care/Climate Justice Practice Group
Nov
11
12:00 PM12:00

Earth Care/Climate Justice Practice 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

in the Sangha House

to explore ways we can engage in our practice to

address the environmental and climate crises.

“The purpose of a human being is to participate in the flourishing of life…Beholding earth as a being, a magnificent being, a gorgeous being, a sacred being, we fall ever deeper in love.” -Charles Eisenstein, How the Environmental Movement Can Find Its Way Again

May we bring the Warm Jewels of our practice out into the world:

Presence, Compassion, Interbeing, Service

View Event →
Earth Care/Climate Justice Practice Group
Nov
11
12:00 PM12:00

Earth Care/Climate Justice Practice 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

in the Sangha House

to explore ways we can engage in our practice to

address the environmental and climate crises.

“The purpose of a human being is to participate in the flourishing of life…Beholding earth as a being, a magnificent being, a gorgeous being, a sacred being, we fall ever deeper in love.” -Charles Eisenstein, How the Environmental Movement Can Find Its Way Again

May we bring the Warm Jewels of our practice out into the world:

Presence, Compassion, Interbeing, Service

View Event →
Aging Openly, Honestly, and Wisely
Nov
16
4:30 PM16:30

Aging Openly, Honestly, and Wisely

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.

View Event →
Earth Care/Climate Justice Practice Group
Dec
9
12:00 PM12:00

Earth Care/Climate Justice Practice 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

in the Sangha House

to explore ways we can engage in our practice to

address the environmental and climate crises.

“The purpose of a human being is to participate in the flourishing of life…Beholding earth as a being, a magnificent being, a gorgeous being, a sacred being, we fall ever deeper in love.” -Charles Eisenstein, How the Environmental Movement Can Find Its Way Again

May we bring the Warm Jewels of our practice out into the world:

Presence, Compassion, Interbeing, Service

View Event →
Aging Openly, Honestly, and Wisely
Dec
21
4:30 PM16:30

Aging Openly, Honestly, and Wisely

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.

View Event →

Zen Listening Circles
May
8
5:00 PM17:00

Zen Listening Circles

In our Zen Meditation, we practice listening without judgment to our own sometimes diverging thoughts and feelings. Given our new government in the White House, these listening skills come in handy and can be put to good use in order for us and others to not succumb to feelings of isolation and hopelessness. Holding up common values, such as treating each other humanely and with dignity and goodwill, are the voices that need to be heard more than ever.

Therefore, we are creating a space for people to be heard, and to listen to others--hoping that more clear, powerful and effective communication and action will arise.

 As Zen practitioners, it is important to acknowledge that nobody is left out and that nobody is outside the system. We are all part of the same wonderful universe and planet, even though right now, it very much seems like we represent different sides of one coin.

The listening Circles are happening begin at 5 pm. People are encouraged to stay for Zazen, which it starts at 6 pm. The format will consist of both small group and larger group non-judgemental listening sessions. In the Sangha Home, 2nd and 4th Thursdays - confirm on calendar.

View Event →
Sunday Supper for a Sustainable Planet
May
4
5:00 PM17:00

Sunday Supper for a Sustainable Planet

We will prepare the food together and then enjoy the meal along with the good company of the participants. It is all plant-based and organic—demonstrating that a low-footprint diet can be delicious and sustain our bodies as well as the planet!

Main course will feature Portobello mushroom "steaks". Please sign up online until April 30th. We ask a small donation at the event to cover the price of the food. We can only fit 12 people, so register early.

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Foundations of Practice
May
1
6:40 PM18:40

Foundations of Practice

@ 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.








View Event →
Zen Listening Circles
Apr
24
5:00 PM17:00

Zen Listening Circles

In our Zen Meditation, we practice listening without judgment to our own sometimes diverging thoughts and feelings. Given our new government in the White House, these listening skills come in handy and can be put to good use in order for us and others to not succumb to feelings of isolation and hopelessness. Holding up common values, such as treating each other humanely and with dignity and goodwill, are the voices that need to be heard more than ever.

Therefore, we are creating a space for people to be heard, and to listen to others--hoping that more clear, powerful and effective communication and action will arise.

 As Zen practitioners, it is important to acknowledge that nobody is left out and that nobody is outside the system. We are all part of the same wonderful universe and planet, even though right now, it very much seems like we represent different sides of one coin.

The listening Circles are happening begin at 5 pm. People are encouraged to stay for Zazen, which it starts at 6 pm. The format will consist of both small group and larger group non-judgemental listening sessions. In the Sangha Home, 2nd and 4th Thursdays - confirm on calendar.

View Event →
Aging Openly, Honestly, and Wisely
Apr
20
4:30 PM16:30

Aging Openly, Honestly, and Wisely

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.

View Event →
Introduction to Zen
Apr
19
1:00 PM13:00

Introduction to Zen

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.

View Event →
Foundations of Practice
Apr
17
6:40 PM18:40

Foundations of Practice

@ 6:40 pm In person at SCZC or on Zoom.

We 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 Illusion. 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.








View Event →
Robe Sewing
Apr
13
1:00 PM13:00

Robe Sewing

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

Contact Rev. Gene Bush

View Event →
Spring Class - Eightfold Path on Right / Harmonious Speech
Apr
13
10:00 AM10:00

Spring Class - Eightfold Path on Right / Harmonious Speech

A two class series from the Eightfold Path on Right/Harmonious speech taught by Reverend Patrick Teverbaugh.

We will be using text from the website Access to Insight, an essay by Bhikkhu Bodhi.

The classes will be held on Sunday mornings March 2nd and the second on April 13, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. .

Donations for each class will be $10 for Sustaining Members and $13 per class for all others. Again, please donate what your budget will allow. 

View Event →
Robe Sewing
Apr
10
6:45 PM18:45

Robe Sewing

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

Contact Rev. Gene Bush

View Event →
Budhha's Birthday Celebration
Apr
6
2:30 PM14:30

Budhha's Birthday Celebration

Buddha's Birthday is an opportunity to celebrate Spring together in our garden, surrounded by flowers and friends. We start with a short and lively outdoor ceremony that includes the story of Buddha's birth and chanting. This is followed by snacks and good company! See you there!

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