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.
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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
Ryumonji Sesshin: Oct 16 - Oct 18
Clouds Half-day Retreat: Nov 14
Clouds Rohatsu Sesshin: Nov 30 - Dec 6
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Tiny Temple Concert Series
In-person
7 pm
October 3: Davu Seru & Matthew Rahaim
November 21: Rachel Kurtz
December 19: Brent Weaver & Maja Radovanlija
January 23: Renkyo Heather Demtrios Fehst & special guests
The Tiny Temple Concert Series transforms Clouds in Water Zen Center into an intimate music venue for four unforgettable evenings of live performance. Inspired by the power of deep listening, each concert brings audiences and artists into close connection, creating a shared experience that feels personal, present, and meaningful.
More than a concert series, Tiny Temple is a fundraiser that helps sustain the center's mission of fostering mindfulness, justice, and compassionate community care.
Every ticket purchased supports programs that help individuals and communities cultivate wisdom, resilience, and belonging.
$45 per ticket per event
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Gate of Sweet Nectar (Sejiki) Workshop and Ceremony
In-person
Friday, Oct 30
7 - 9pmA special evening to honor loved ones who have died.
Our family and loved ones touch us deeply. Reconnecting to them in our inner life allows us to feel the love, remember their presence, look for healing or find peace.
The Sejiki Ceremony has become a tradition at Clouds in Water to answer the call to honor our ancestors and heal our karma. We will start with quiet meditation and a deep listening of our heart. We'll "call in" the spirits with noisemakers, share stories of our loved ones who have died, offer food, and do a lovely service, including traditional Buddhist chants and the special Sejiki Song.
Please bring a photo, a card with the person's name and/ or something the person liked to include in your reflection. We will place them on the altar during the ceremony.
Registration encouraged but not required.
No one turned away for lack of funds.
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Jukai Ceremony
Hybrid: In-person and Zoom
Saturday, November 7
7-9pmJukai, in Zen Buddhism, is a celebration of Bodhicitta, or the way-seeking mind.
It is the ceremony where a lay practitioner formally receives the Buddhist precepts (vows) and takes refuge in the Three Treasures: the Buddha (Great Teacher), the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (community).
It signifies a deeper commitment to Buddhist practice and a conscious embrace of the path of awakening. Jukai candidates establish a daily practice, sew a rakusu (small Buddhist robe), study the precepts, and participate in a Jukai ceremony where they receive a Buddhist Dharma name.
Please join us November 7, 7-9pm for this beautiful ceremony!
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).