Our Groups

Due to covid, our groups are not meeting in person at this time.
Some are online, others are on hiatus for the duration of the pandemic.

BBZ emphasizes a broad, user-friendly approach to Soto Zen, the meeting includes a twenty minute meditation, a short, personal reflection by a Sangha member, and discussion.

Brown Bag Zen accentuates Zen practice and personal Dharma in ordinary life.

As affordable, donations can be made via the website portal,

or by sending a check to Monterey Bay Zen Center, P O Box 3173, Monterey, CA 93942.

(Please add a note as you submit your online donation or in the memo line on your check "BBZ".)

Ordinary Recovery

Buddhism and the 12-steps of Recovery

“We are firmly protected from inside. That is our spirit. We are protected from inside, always, incessantly” – “Not Always So”-- Shunryu Suzuki

Ordinary Recovery, an ongoing class and discussion group exploring the relationship between Buddhist meditation and the 12-steps of recovery, is held Saturdays at 9 a.m. at the Carl Cherry Center for the Arts. Through talks, discussions and meditation, we will investigate the many points of convergence between the 12-steps and the teaching and practice of Buddhism. Meditation can be a powerful tool in relapse prevention and can become a “positive addiction” that provides a healthy alternative to addictive behaviors.

Fee: By donation

Saturdays, 9:00 -10:00 a.m.
The Carl Cherry Center for the Arts,
4th and Guadalupe, Carmel.

Brown Bag Zen

A weekly sitting group

“When you become you, Zen becomes Zen. When you are you, you see things as they are, and you become one with your surroundings”-- Shunryu Suzuki

20 Minute Meditative sitting
10 Minute talk
Tea and Cookies Group Discussion

No charge — No reservations
Led by Kathy Whilden & Dave Lynn

Fridays, 12:15 - 1:15pm
St James Church
Corner of High and Hellam Streets
Monterey

Mid-Week Meditation

Mid-Week Mediation meets on Wednesdays at 1:30 for a 30-minute meditation, often followed by a quotation or poem and short, open discussion. All are welcome, come as you are. We simply gather together for a while...are quiet and still in the middle of it all...and then we go on our way...

Contact Guy Riina,

Wednesdays, 1:30-2:00 p.m.
McGowan House Zendo
381 High Street
Corner of High and Hellam
Monterey

Chicken Coop Zendo:
Sitting Meditation, Tea and Conversation

The Chicken Coop Zendo in Jamesburg is open for zazen once again. The day and time have changed.
All are welcome to sit.

You are invited to join Phyllis Conlan for informal Zen meditation on Saturday mornings at the Chicken Coop Zendo in Jamesburg. Beginners are welcomed and instructions are offered to help you find a comfortable sitting arrangement, whether on a cushion, a bench or a chair. Please call first to express your interest. A small donation to Monterey Bay Zen Center is encouraged but not required.

Saturdays 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Awakening in the Body

Embodied, guided meditations as a vehicle for cultivating self knowledge, open heartedness, interconnectedness and wellbeing.

Monday mornings 10:30-11:30 a.m.
6 Delfino Place
Carmel Valley, 93923