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.
Typically, this class is offered the first Saturday of every month from noon - 2:00 pm.. It is taught by one of our senior members and lasts approximately 2 hours. Our next offering is Saturday, October 3.

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

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. Our next Bodhisattva Ceremony will be October 24 at 9:20 am.
See our Programs page and Calendar for more information.

Council practice

Join us on Tuesday, November 10, at 6:45 for a Council Circle of witnessing, sharing and building community. We work from the three tenets of the Zen Peacemaker Order: Not-Knowing: letting go of fixed ideas about yourself, others, and the universe; Bearing Witness: to the joy and suffering of the world; Taking Action: that arises from Not-Knowing and Bearing Witness. The circle is confidential, safe and we welcome everyone.

Zoom link to Join us anytime we meet:

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

Sesshin: full day Sittings

SAZC is committed to offering longer practice opportunities to help us all deepen our practice. Zazen alternates with kinhin (walking meditation) with some teaching and chanting practice. These retreats are appropriate for beginners as well as experienced practitioners. Please join us in our retreat practice!

Our next sesshin offering will be Rohatsu Sesshin, Wednesday, December 9 - Sunday, December 13. The days begin at 7:00 am, ending at 5:00 pm. Stay tuned for more information and registration.

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.

Recovery Group meets on holidays as well as during SAZC interims.

Email zen12stepmeeting@gmail.com for more information.

Body signals: Mindfulness in everyday life

Monday night class September 14 - November 9

In this class, we will explore practices that cultivate awareness of our own bodies and the bodies of others in daily life. These practices are drawn from the Discourse on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (the Satipatthana Sutta), which guides us to bring mindful attention to every aspect of experience. The Buddha described this teaching as a direct path to the end of sorrow and despair — a path that culminates in awakening.

Facilitated by Kruba Chris, each class will include guided meditation, practice instructions and discussion. The class will be held in person and on Zoom. Please join us!

No class October 12. You are welcome to join, no registration required. Dana to support the SA Zen Center gratefully received.