Welcome
Clouds in Water is a vibrant community in the Sōtō Zen tradition, with a vision to awaken the heart of great wisdom and compassion, end systemic oppression, and cultivate joy.
Our offerings include meditation, classes, talks, one-to-one meetings with teachers, affinity groups, Zen training, and retreats as a practice of Sōtō Zen Buddhism and social justice. We welcome people of all backgrounds and faiths. We are located in the Historic Rondo Neighborhood on unceded Dakota and Anishinaabe land in St. Paul, MN, and everywhere on Zoom.
-
Upcoming Sesshin & Retreats
Sesshin
Sesshin, which means “collecting the heart/mind”, provides a rare chance to step into a sanctuary of stillness, to close the door for a little while on the cacophony, and to appreciate the freedom and spaciousness of life in the present.
Whether you are a beginner or experienced practitioner, we hope you will consider joining this wonderful practice.
A typical sesshin includes multiple periods of sitting and walking meditation, one or more Dharma Talks, traditional oryoki meals, zen chanting liturgy, temple care (mindful cleaning), body practice, rest breaks, and the opportunity to meet one-on-one with the teacher. We refrain from unnecessary speech and settle into silence.
If you are a first-timer, we recommend that you reach out to one of our teachers before registering.
RetreatsWe also often have half-day sits, cozy retreats, Queer Dharma Retreats, and more. These are often very beginner friendly!
Save the Date
Clouds Sesshin: Sept 11 - Sept 12
Ryumonji Sesshin: Oct 16 - Oct 18
Clouds Half-day Retreat: Nov 14
Clouds Rohatsu Sesshin: Nov 30 - Dec 6
-
Keika's Shuso Hossenshiki | Dharma Inquiry Ceremony
Hybrid In-person and Zoom
Saturday, August 15, 7 pm
No registration required
Please join us for a formal Shuso Hossenshiki ceremony for Rev. Keika Karín Aguilar-San Juan.
Shuso, or "head monk," is a traditional role in a Zen monastery or Zen Center that dates back to at least 1103 in China.
When a priest-in-training or lay teacher-in-training has progressed enough in their practice to be an example for others, their teacher may ask them to serve as Shuso. The Shuso's role is to be a model of practice and to set an example for the other students. Since June, Keika has served in this role, teaching the Practice Period Class, co-facilitating a book group, and other practical responsibilities to support the community.
August 15 marks the conclusion of Keika's Shuso period.
The ceremony consists of a public question-and-answer ceremony to test Keika’s understanding and compassion, and will feature a short Dharma Talk by Keika on Blue Cliff Record Case 36: "Ch’ang Sha Wandering in the Mountains." Participants may ask questions regarding the case or questions about practice from their own life and experience.
This is a beautiful and meaningful ceremony, and we hope you’ll join us in supporting Keika!
-
Marcus Young 楊墨 will be Wanderer-in-Residence During the Month of August!
What does wandering have to teach us about belonging? What does it mean to be in the here and now? What holds you in place yet sets you free?
From August 3 to 22, Marcus will be spending extensive time at Clouds in Water exploring behavioral art and mindfulness. Each day he will be present to support Clouds’ meditation schedule and programming. He will also regularly offer the Don’t You Feel It Too? movement practice, host tea gatherings, and be available to connect with visitors about his study and practice of creativity and belonging.
Offerings:
No registration required
Donations welcome, no one turned away for lack of funds.Tea Talk
In-person at Clouds in Water Zen CenterDrop-in for a sip of tea and join a discussion about these wide ranging topics.
Sat, Aug 8 – 7:00-8:30pm “Zen and the Art of Being Single”
Sat, Aug 22 – 7:00-8:30pm “Zen and the Art of Belonging”
Don’t You Feel It Too?
In-person at various locationsDYFIT is freeing, mindful movement, usually using our own pocket music devices and earbuds, and often in public spaces. All abilities welcome.
Fri, Aug 7 – 8:30-9:45am - Hidden Falls Park
Sat, Aug 8 – 8:30-9:45am - Shadow Falls Park
Thu, Aug 13 – 5:30-7:00pm - Clouds in Water
Fri, Aug 14 – 8:30-9:45am - Hidden Falls Park
Mon, Aug 17– 6:30-8:00pm - Clouds in Water
Email Marcus fore mor info: marcus@dyfit.org
-
Annual Sangha Picnic
Sunday August 9
In place of our usual Sunday Program
10:30 am - 1 pm
Hidden Falls Picnic Shelter
Potluck! Bring a dish to share!
10:30 - 11: Guided Zazen, Walking Meditation & Short Dharma Talk*
11 - 1: Picnic & Games
Please contact sosan@cloudsinwater.org to volunteer for set-up or clean-up, tech, and more.
We will attempt to create a hotspot for Zoom participation in the meditation and Dharma talk.
-
NEW Cisgender Allies Study Group
First Tuesdays, 5:45 - 6:45 pm (July 7, - Nov 3, 2026)
Are you a person whose gender identity matches the gender you were assigned at birth? Are you worried for your friends, family, and sangha members who are trans, nonbinary, intersex, and/or gender-expansive who are being impacted by recent violence and genocidal government policies? Are you confused about the terms and issues, and hesitant to ask? Please join us for a little bit of education and discussion on how we can support trans, nonbinary, and intersex individuals, including promotion of acceptance, awareness, and equal rights. The erosion of rights for trans people impacts everyone.
Led by Guiding Teacher Sosan Flynn and Genshu Betzi Sherman. Contact sosan@cloudsinwater.org with any questions.
"Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations. Symbolizing the elements that create truth and beauty." –Spock, Star Trek
Find refuge in the heart of the Twin Cities
Dharma Talks
Meditation
Zazen (meditation) is at the heart of our practice. We have offerings throughout the week in person and on zoom. We also offer sesshin (retreats) throughout the year, at Clouds in Water and at Ryumonji Zen Monastery and Hokyoji Zen Practice Community.
All levels of experience are welcome!
Study
There is always a class, workshop, or practice group happening at Clouds! In addition to our Fall and Spring practice periods, we offer classes on anything from karma to the precepts to embodied social justice.
Community
Our sangha - community - is made up of a diverse groups of folks from all over the Twin Cities (and the country, via Zoom). We gather together every Sunday and have many opportunities to connect through our classes, practice groups, and sesshin (retreats).