Classes, Workshops, Retreats,
and More
No one is turned away for lack of funds. We REALLY want you to take advantage of our programs!
From Sosan, our Guiding Teacher:
Some people have told us that they don't attend as many classes as they'd like because they can't afford to pay the full asking price (the price we say covers teacher payments and Clouds admin/staffing). If you are such a person, please know this: your attendance at any of our programs is a huge benefit in and of itself. All the teachers give the dharma freely. It doesn't save Clouds any money in admin and staffing if you don't attend. If you decide not to attend, then we lose your valuable input, and your fellow Sangha members lose the opportunity to practice with you. Attitudes like "I don't deserve to attend if I can't pay full price" come from a mindset of separation and scarcity. This is not the Buddha Way.
So, what is the Buddha Way with regard to giving? Giving and receiving have to do with realizing that we are not separate. That we cannot exist on our own.
Thank you for the generous gift of your presence and supporting our practice with your own!
Please note that processing fees for EFT payments are lower than credit card fees. You can elect to cover fees as part of your donation. Many thanks!
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Getting Started in Zen
Various Dates
7 pm -9 pmIn this 2-hour workshop, you receive all the tools you need to get started on your personal journey in Zen practice.
Instruction will be given in zazen meditation, basic Buddhist philosophy, developing a home practice, as well as practicing as part of a community.
There will be plenty of time for questions and conversation!
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DOGEN’S GREAT REALIZATION - Retreat at Hokyoji
Wednesday, June 18, 5:00 p.m.
(arrive between 1 - 4 pm) -
Sunday, June 22, Noon
With Rev. Flying Fish Barbara MurphyPlease join us as we examine the questions, “What is awakening? What is enlightenment? What is this experience that we are having?” We will examine Eihei Dogen’s fascicle, “Daigo”, translated as “Great Realization” to guide us.
Held in the beautiful countryside of southeast Minnesota at Hokyoji Zen Practice Community, this retreat is structured to give us time to enjoy nature while giving support for meditation.
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Practicing the Ancient Way: Outdoor Sitting, Walking, and Dharma Discussion
Thursdays, June 26, July 17 and August 28, 6:30 - 8 pm
With Myoshin Benjamin and Sosan Flynn.
Note: The sessions will not be held if it is raining.
This summer, we are offering three evenings of sitting in the outdoors. We'll meet in the southwest corner of Newell Park, 900 N. Fairview Avenue, St. Paul. Bring your own chair, cushion and/or blanket for sitting, bug repellent, and water bottle (if desired). You may attend one, two or all three sessions.
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Dogen Studies: Twining Vines
Wednesdays, July 2, 9, and 16, 7 - 9 pm
With Sosan and Koji
In-person and on ZoomWhen you take up Zen practice, you enter the stream of Buddhas and Ancestors. It doesn't matter how long you have been practicing, whether you are ordained or not, whether you know a lot or a little about Buddhism. When you enter the stream, you have already "arrived." Sosan and Koji will help us play with the ideas in this wonderful writing by the 13th century Zen teacher who is the founder of Soto Zen Buddhism. Twining Vines refers to the non-dual interconnection of teacher and disciple, but it can also refer to the ways in which we are all connected to and support each other.
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Realizing Deep Peace and Relaxation
July Hokyoji Retreat
Saturday, July 26 - Saturday, August 2. (3-Night or 7-Night Options)
with Sosan Flynn and MyoOn HaglerIn-person only.
Registration Deadline: July 19.During this week, Sosan and MyoOn will share teachings from a variety of Soto Zen Buddhist teachers on how to realize deep peace and relaxation during these troubled times. We hope you will take this opportunity to fully enter into Zen practice so that you may respond to your life and the world with compassion, wisdom and resilience.