You should know that this (zazen) is the complete path of the buddha-dharma, and nothing can compare to it.
– Dogen Zenji
A zazenkai, literally meaning “to come together for meditation,” is a Zen Buddhist sitting meditation retreat that is less intensive and of shorter duration than sesshin. These sittings are suitable for both beginners and experienced sitters. The schedule will include sitting meditation (zazen), walking meditation (kinhin), a short talk, and closing service. The day may include a short period of light work practice as well. We ask those who attend to commit to participating in the complete schedule.
Zazenkai are being offered by the Teaching Council of Monterey Bay Zen Center and will be variously led by (alphabetically) Shogen Danielson, Sara Hunsaker, Robert Reese and Patricia Wolff. Two resident priests, Guy Riina and Diane Wells-Nowell, will also be leading the sittings through the remainder of the year, all at McGowan House.
Zazenkai are in-person only.
The ongoing schedule is 12 noon to 4 PM on one Sunday each month. You may commit to attend only one retreat, or separately to any additional sittings tp be announced during the year.
As leaders are scheduled, you will find their names and the zazenkai dates here or as newly announced on the calendar:
March 16 - Diane Wells-Nowell
April 13th - Robert Reese & Patricia Wolff (in tandem with Practice Period)
No one is turned away from MBZC activities for lack of funds. You donate what you can afford to correspond to your commitment.
Suggested Donation - $20-$30 per retreat, or any amount, as best you can afford.
Dana (gift) for leader is optional, any amount.
Email the upcoming zazenkai leader below with any special request, or to share your intention to attend and donate by check.
You may return back to this page at anytime to donate again for a different month, or to leave a gift, or to email for more information.
Meditating Buddha, ca. 3rd–5th century, Pakistan,
(ancient region of Turfan, Gandhara, near northwestern China)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art.