In October of 2003, San Antonio Zen arose out of a wish to share the Dharma and sitting practice in the Soto traditions of Shunryu Suzuki. This wish was realized with the guidance and example of the teachers and students of the Austin Zen Center. We also have cultivated and cherished ties with the Houston Zen Center and the San Francisco Zen Center.

We aspire to benefit all beings (including ourselves) in each moment, unconditionally, with awareness, energy, lovingkindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity, relaxing with what is, to realize awakening. Do not imagine that you must develop all of these qualities before you come sit with us. It is called “sitting practice,” not “sitting perfection.”

Beginner’s MeditATIon InSTRucTion

This class is offered for people who want to learn Zen meditation and get to know the San Antonio Zen Center.
This class is typically the first Saturday of every month. It is taught by one of our senior members and lasts approximately 2 hours. Our next offering is Saturday, October 4.

Please sign up by using the sign-up sheet in the foyer, by calling 210-257-8383, or by emailing info@sanantoniozen.org

One Day workshop on Death + Dying

Sallie Jiko Tisdale is a Zen teacher, writer, palliative nurse, and a practitioner at Dharma Rain Zen Center in Portland. Based on her work, Advice for Future Corpses and Those Who Love Them - A Practical Perspective on Death and Dying, she will guide us through the important terrain of end of life and how to truly prepare. Saturday, November 8; registration opens September 15. More info: info@sanantoniozen.org.

From Sallie:

We can only truly face the koan of existence by facing our own deaths. In this workshop, we will speak bluntly and honestly about our fears, hopes, and question regarding our death and the deaths of those near us. Participants will gain information about preparing for a death and the many complications that surround this universal experience. A surprisingly fun day!

Half Day and full day Sittings

SAZC is committed to offering longer practice opportunities to help us all deepen our practice. Some are half-days, some full-days. Zazen alternates with kinhin (walking meditation) with some teaching and chanting practice. We’ll have time for tea and dialogue. Our next offering is a full day Zazenkai TBA

Your may get more information by emailing us. These retreats are appropriate for beginners as well as experienced practitioners. Please join us in our retreat practice!

Council Practice

Quarterly Tuesdays 6:45 - 7:45 pm
Join us as we celebrate and build community through the practice of council. We sit in a circle, establish guidelines and potential topics, and practice sharing our own good hearts and minds. Everyone welcome, confidentiality and deep listening are primary, as is the right to pass. Our next Council practice is Tuesday, September 16. Email us for more information.

Full Moon Ceremony

The Ryaku Fusatsu, or Bodhisattva Ceremony, honors the Buddhas and Ancestors at (or close to) the full moon for a ritual of confession, taking refuge, and committing to the precepts. It is an age-old tradition with roots in Shakyamuni Buddha's sangha's forest practice. It emphasizes letting go and beginning again, keeping our zen practice vital and full of heart. Watch the calendar for dates when we will offer this practice.

See our Programs page and Calendar for more information.

Meditation and Recovery

Join us Friday evenings at 7 pm for a 20-minute meditation followed by a 12-step style discussion of how Buddhism relates to the principles of recovery. This meeting is for those members of other 12-step groups (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, etc.) who want to learn more about how these principles could be applied in light of Buddhist teachings.
Email zen12stepmeeting@gmail.com for more information.

Great Ancestor Eihei Dōgen’s Genjokoan

A study on the precious fascicle Actualizing the Fundamental Point

A 9- Week Journey into Dogen’s teaching on practice realization Tuesdays, beginning September 23 at 6:45 pm. Led by SAZC ordained and lay teachers. All are welcome.

To study Buddhism is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self is to be actualized by myriad things. When actualized by myriad things, your body and mind as well as the bodies and minds of others drop away. No trace of realization remains, and this no-trace continues endlessly.

Translations and links will be available

Zoom Link: https://bit.ly/3fMCa6e
Passcode: 674394