event schedule

full Schedule

All of SWZC’s events and programming are offered to support our mission to practice collective Awakening.

All events are offered both in-person and on Zoom, unless otherwise specified. Masks and sanitizer are available for all in-person participants, and we kindly ask that if you are experiencing any flu or COVID-like symptoms at all, that you please stay home and join on Zoom.

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Passcode: Buddha

Weekly Meditation Schedule

Mornings Tuesday - Saturday
7:00am Zazen
7:30am Kinhin
7:40am Zazen
8:10am Kinhin
8:20am Zazen
8:50am Morning Service
10:00am Samu (work practice) Opening Service
‍
Evenings Tuesday - Saturday
7:00pm Zazen
7:30pm Kinhin
7:40pm Zazen (Saturday: Weekly closing council)
8:10pm Kinhin
8:20pm Zazen
8:50pm 4 Vows and End
‍
‍Sunday
9:30am Gate of Sweet Nectar Service
9:50am Zazen-Kinhin-Zazen
10:50am Break
11:00am Dharma Talk

‍Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of the practice session. If you are new to Zazen, please attend an Intro to Zen Class offered on Sundays, or watch our instructional video here before attending.

Intro to Zen Meditation Class

If you are new to Zen, please join us any Sunday at 10am for our intro to Zen meditation class. We teach the traditional techniques and forms passed down from our Zen ancestors over thousands of years, and offer tips for integrating meditation into your daily life.

11/2/2025 9:30 AM

12/7/2025 12:00 PM

Fall Practice Period

During an intensive practice period, all are invited to reflect on their practice, and make a personal commitment to an extended daily schedule of Zazen, Dharma study, and working together in community.

11/27/2025 7:00 AM

11/29/2025 12:00 PM

Thanksgiving Break – Closed

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We'll see you soon for Rohatsu Sesshin, beginning on the 30th of November.

11/30/2025 9:30 AM

11/30/2025 12:00 PM

Sunday Program — Dharma Talk: Bobby Chowa Werner Sensei

Sunday Programs are our most popular, offering beginners zen classes, service and liturgy, meditation period, and a Dharma Talk from a SWZC teacher or guest speaker.

11/30/2025 7:00 PM

12/7/2025 12:00 PM

Rohatsu Sesshin

For those with an earnest curiosity about our true nature, a practice retreat, or "Sesshin," is an unparalleled opportunity. During Rohatsu Sesshin, we sit with the Buddha themself, who is believed to have fully awakened on December, 8th, which is known as Bodhi Day.

12/4/2025 7:00 PM

12/4/2025 9:00 PM

Fusatsu Ceremony

Join us in Fusatsu, one of the most ancient Zen practices that we continue to this day. Held on the evening of the full moon, Fusatsu is a powerful opportunity to atone and renew our Bodhisattva vows.

12/8/2025 7:00 AM

12/13/2025 12:00 PM

Zen Center Closed

Our space is open for solo sitting, but there will be no jikido (timekeeper). We'll see you soon for Sunday Program: Dharma Talk With Preceptor Valerie Kyoshin Velez on the 14th!

12/13/2025 12:00 PM

12/13/2025 4:00 PM

North Park Pop Up Booth

We'll have a presence in North Park this weekend. Chris ShoYu will be tending the booth from 12PM–4PM. Stop by to say hello or lend a hand.

12/14/2025 9:30 AM

12/14/2025 12:00 PM

Sunday Program — Dharma Talk: Preceptor Valerie Kyoshin Velez

Sunday Programs are our most popular, offering beginners zen classes, service and liturgy, meditation period, and a Dharma Talk from a SWZC teacher or guest speaker.

12/19/2025 6:30 PM

12/19/2025 8:00 PM

The Death Network Discussion Group

SWZC is honored to host the Death Network Discussion Group. A guided space for real conversation on dying, grief, and meaning. Each month, seasoned death workers offer prompts to explore what’s often left unsaid. Come curious. Leave connected.

12/21/2025 9:30 AM

12/21/2025 12:00 PM

Sunday Program — Dharma Talk: Herb Eko Deer Sensei

Sunday Programs are our most popular, offering beginners zen classes, service and liturgy, meditation period, and a Dharma Talk from a SWZC teacher or guest speaker.

12/24/2025 7:00 AM

12/27/2025 12:00 PM

Zen Center Closed

Our space is open for solo sitting, but there will be no jikido (timekeeper). We'll see you soon for Sunday Program — Dharma Talk: Bobby Chowa Werner Sensei on the 28th!

12/28/2025 9:30 AM

12/28/2025 12:00 PM

Sunday Program — Dharma Talk: Bobby Chowa Werner Sensei

Sunday Programs are our most popular, offering beginners zen classes, service and liturgy, meditation period, and a Dharma Talk from a SWZC teacher or guest speaker.

12/30/2025 6:00 AM

1/1/2026 12:00 PM

Year End Sesshin

Close 2025 with stillness and presence! For those with an earnest curiosity about our true nature, practice retreats or "Sesshin" are an unparalleled opportunity, offering a full schedule of meditation, one-on-one meetings with teachers, and more.