WHERE TO BEGIN

Your First Visit

Everyone is welcome at CZC every day! We encourage first-time visitors to come on Thursday evenings to get oriented with our practice, people, and forms.

Thursday Evening Program

  • The intro class typically includes a brief intro to Zen forms, simple instruction on sitting meditation, and time for questions and discussion. The class is led by a different teacher and/or experienced practitioner week-to-week. You may attend as often as you like to get different perspectives!

  • Dharma talks begin with an introductory talk from an experienced practitioner about their practice journey, followed by a Q&A with a Zen Teacher.

  • Meet other Sangha (community) members over tea and snacks!

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What is Zen?

Zen is a centuries-old Buddhist tradition centered on meditation practice—which includes sitting, chanting, bowing, and walking meditation.

Through the practice, we investigate life questions and return again and again to our direct experience of the present moment. In this way, we seek to find our true selves and help the world.

More about practice forms

FIRST TIME AT CZC?

  • When you arrive, simply ring the doorbell and let someone know its your first time

  • Arrive 5-10 minutes prior to practice start times to get settled

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing

  • Please leave your phone on silent mode with your things in the coat room

  • We are a welcoming community with many members - say hi and introduce yourself!

What To Expect

Interior of a living room or dining area with a large wooden table, potted plants, and a sliding glass door leading outside. The room has large windows, a modern ceiling light fixture, and various household items on the table.

Excited about zen?

Deepen Your Practice

Whether you are looking to learn more about Zen, connect with Teachers, or find support for daily practice, there are many ways to deepen your practice at CZC and get involved in our community!

A person kneeling on a meditation cushion with eyes closed, wearing traditional attire, in front of a Korean temple bell, inside a room with wooden floors, white windows, and sliding shoji screens.

Daily Practice

Morning and evening practice is open to everyone, free of charge, 7 days a week.

Get started with practice →

Two women sit across from each other at a wooden table, smiling and chatting, with tea cups, a potted orchid, and a tea tray between them. One woman has glasses and a green sweater, and the other has a ponytail and a black sweatshirt. A wall map and framed certificate are visible in the background.

Community Groups

Community Dinner, Young Zen, Elder Zen, BIPOC Zen, and more offer and chance to connect with peers through special practice groups.

See community offerings→

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Retreats

CZC hosts weekend retreats every month. Retreats offer a prolonged opportunity to find a deeper practice, build relationships with Teachers, and support the Sangha.

Upcoming retreats →

A cozy corner of a living room with large windows covered by sheer white curtains, a low wooden table with papers and a book, a meditation cushion on a blue blanket, and a black and white portrait painting on the wall.

Long Sits & Kong-an interviews

Our Tuesday Evening Program and Sunday Morning Program include longer sitting meditations consisting of various 30min periods with 10min walking in between, and with the opportunity for a one-on-one interview with a Zen Teacher. They are a great way to deepen your practice and receive individual guidance.

More about Tuesday & Sunday programs →

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The Great Way is not difficult. Simply cut off all thought of good and bad.
Salt is salty, sugar is sweet.

- Zen Master Seung Sahn, from Temple Rule #5