Ocean Gate Zen Center - Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos | “Those who are Buddhas are always in samadhi, the state like the ocean.” ~ Dogen Zenji

Welcome from our Teachers

Ocean Gate Zen Center is a Soto Zen temple dedicated to supporting zazen (meditation) as well as wholesome compassionate activity for self and others. Located at Pleasure Point we offer a neighborhood Zen Center to Santa Cruz’s South Side, Capitola, Soquel and Aptos. Everyone is welcome ...

Links to YouTube Lectures

Links to YouTube lectures

For Beginners

If you are new to Zen practice and are curious about how we enter into and sustain our Buddhist practice, this page should help you by offering information about events and training opportunities helpful to your exploration of Zen Buddhism.

Come As You Are Zen

This is an informal Saturday morning program focused on investigating Buddhist teachings for creating ease and skillful response in our daily life. The program begins with meditation followed by a Dharma talk by one of our teachers: Rev. Daijaku Kinst or Rev. Shinshu Roberts. Talks are for both the beginner as well as the advanced practitioner. Everyone is welcome.

Our Teachers:

Rev. Daijaku Kinst & Rev. Shinshu Roberts

Ocean Gate YouTube Channel Link:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKOFG-_XCenToA559VDXqKQ

View our latest Dharma talk on You Tube:

Transition and Awareness

https://youtu.be/nifhBHPLLUA

OCEAN GATE ZOOM ZENDO LINK

(a password now must be entered)

Zoom Meeting ID: 275 740 1596

Password: Dogen4all

Questions? Email us: info@oceangatezen.org

Upcoming Schedule

May 27th Regular Saturday Program, student speaker Rhiana W., followed by Zendo cleaning
June 3rd Full Day sitting, includes Regular Saturday Program and Bodhisattva Ceremony
June 7th Sojun Roshi monthly memorial
June 10 Regular Saturday Program + Zendo cleaning
June 17 Regular Saturday Program with Guest Speaker
June 24 Regular Saturday Program with Guest Speaker

SATURDAY MORNING "COME AS YOU ARE" SCHEDULE:

9:00AM Zazen/Meditation 9:35AM Dharma Talk

Everyone is Welcome to participate.

If you are new to OGZC and have questions, please email: info@oceangatezen.org

*Half Day Sit Schedule

6:45 – 7:25 a.m. Zazen

7:25 – 7:40 a.m. Kinhin

7:40 – 8:10 a.m. Zazen

8:10 a.m. Service

Break

9 – 9:25 a.m. Zazen

9:25 – 9:35 a.m. Break

9:35 a.m. Lecture/Q&A

10:45 – 11:15 a.m. Zazen

11:15 – 11:25 a.m. Kinhin

11:25 – 11:55 a.m. Zazen

11:55 a.m. Refuges/End of sitting

The Zendo is open!

Everyone is Welcome!

We require that a person attending be fully vaccinated (including booster). As for masks, please be prepared to wear one in the Zendo. As of February 2023, Covid safety protocol at OGZC is guided by current community levels as reported by the SCCDH and CDC recommendations. We are monitoring data weekly to make sure our protocol for masking (or not) in the zendo is in accordance with risk. The weekly report is posted in the zendo along with the Covid Safety Policy.

Weekly Zazen (Meditation) Schedule

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday Meditation 6:45 a.m. - 7:25 a.m. followed by Chanting Service

Friday Meditation 9 a.m. - 9:40 a.m. followed by Chanting Service

Saturday Morning Schedule:

9 a.m. Meditation

9:35 a.m. Dharma Talk, followed by Questions & Answers

In-person Zazen Instruction is currently cancelled, but here are recommended Videos:

Zazen Instruction by Sojun Roshi Mel Weitsman of the Berkeley Zen Center (Revs Daijaku and Shinshu's teacher) on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBmYlr35mYU

Link to: Soto Zen Meditation Instructions from the Japanese Sotoshu

Opening the Eye of Sojun Roshi's Ihai (streamed on Zoom)

Teacher Rakusu Receiving Ceremony

OGZC Ordination Ceremony

Sangha Pictures

Buddha's Birthday Ceremony 2023

Rev. Shinshu and Rev. Daijaku at sangha member's memorial service

Jukai Ceremony

Jikoji Weekend Sesshin (2020)

The "Songha" performing

Your Support

Ocean Gate Zen Center is available to all and there is no charge for the daily program, meditation or lectures. The Zen Center relies solely on donations and financial support is always welcome. Ocean Gate Zen Center is a 501(c)3 tax exempt non-profit religious organization. Your donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.