Various Dates
7 pm -9 pm

In 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!

In-Person Only

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.

Zoom only

Tuesdays, Sept 9-30
6:30-8pm CT

With Taizan Alford

This short class series is a chance for you to connect more with the roots of our practice. We will dive into the origins of zen, practice and reflect on our experience in zazen and explore how to take this practice off the cushion and into life using the help of gathas (short awareness verses) and mindfulness. The class will include meditation, lectures (with slides!), discussion, and writing exercises.

Sliding Scale. We want you to know that your attendance is valued and important, no matter how much you contribute, and that no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

If you would like guidance selecting an amount to offer:

Clouds in Water relies on a Gift Economics Model of resource transparency, suggested sliding scale tiers and no set fees in order to balance financial sustainability, the Buddhist practice of generosity, justice and equity. Clouds in Water is a community supported temple, relying primarily on the donations and class fees that our sangha offers. Teachers are paid a set price for classes that they lead. We offer a sliding scale in order to have the largest number of participants in each class, and hope that those who can afford to give at the larger end of the scale will do so. Know that your attendance is valued and important, no matter how much you contribute, and that no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Level 1: $200

Level 2: $140

Level 3: $60

Your Level: You choose the amount. No one is turned away due to inability to pay. If you wish to attend with a zero contribution, please email info@cloudsinwater.org and we will get you on the list.

Note: Anything over $140 is considered a tax-deductible donation. 

Online registration ends 9/7/25.

If you wish to register after 9/7/25, please contact the teacher directly at taizan@cloudsinwater.org. Please note that you may not get an immediate response.

In-Person Only

Friday, Sept. 19, 5 pm through Sunday, Sept. 21, 3 pm

With Sosan Theresa Flynn and Shoken Winecoff

Join us for this joint sesshin with the Clouds in Water Zen Center and Ryumonji Zen Monastery communities at Ryumonji in northeastern Iowa (about 3 hours from the Twin Cities). Ryumonji Monastery is designed from a blueprint of a classic Zen monastery in Japan. Built and operated in an environmentally sustainable way, its gorgeous buildings and temple grounds reflect the spirit of "peaceful dwelling." During this retreat you will learn about many of the Zen ritual objects and engage in some of the formal Zen practices. 

Sliding Scale. We want you to know that your attendance is valued and important, no matter how much you contribute, and that no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

If you would like guidance selecting an amount to offer:

Clouds in Water relies on a Gift Economics Model of resource transparency, suggested sliding scale tiers and no set fees in order to balance financial sustainability, the Buddhist practice of generosity, justice and equity. Clouds in Water is a community supported temple, relying primarily on the donations and class fees that our sangha offers.

Level 1: $600 (makes it possible for more people to attend who cannot afford the full amount)
Level 2: $360 (full cost)
Level 3: $150 (reduced cost)

Your Level: You choose the amount. No one is turned away due to inability to pay and teachers receive a portion of whatever you give. If you would like to attend with a zero contribution, please email info@cloudsinwater.org and we will get you on the list.

Note: Anything over $360 is considered a tax-deductible donation.

Registration closes on 9/12/25. If you would like to register after 9/12/25, please contact info@cloudsinwater.org

Hybrid In-Person and Zoom

Class: Thursday, Sept. 25, 6:30 - 9 pm. 
Ceremony: Sunday, Sept. 28, 9 - 10:30 am.

With Sosan, MyoOn, Myoshin, Koji and Taizan

The Refuge and Precepts Ceremony is a public confirmation for entering the life of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. If you feel drawn to Buddhist practice, this ceremony can support you on your path. In the class, you'll learn about the three refuges, the three pure precepts, and the ten essential precepts. At the public ceremony, you will receive a certificate commemorating your participation. 

Please register if you wish to join the class.

In-Person Only

Saturday, Oct. 4, 9 am - 12:30 pm

With Myoshin Diane Benjamin

Join us for a simple morning of Zen meditation. If you’ve been wanting to try meditating for a little longer length of time, if your schedule doesn’t allow for a full retreat, or if you could use a pause in your busy life, please come! The schedule is flexible, and meditation guidance will be offered, along with a simple lunch.

Hybrid: In-Person and Zoom

Opening: Sunday, October 19
Closing: Sunday, December 7

With MyoOn Susan Hagler and Fukutoku Ann Morishita

During the practice period we’d like to offer the opportunity to you to immerse yourself in totally being you; to realize your true self through our practice together in our everyday lives.

In the practice period we encourage our sangha (community) to come together like practitioners of old in India who gathered during the rainy season to practice. With this in mind we invite you to stretch yourself in your practice and take refuge in the sangha.

Hybrid: In-Person and Zoom

Oct 21 - Nov. 18. Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8:30pm

with MyoOn Susan Hagler and Fukutoku Ann Morishita

During this class we will focus on householder lay followers during Shakyamuni's lifetime in India. They are often referred to as upasaka and upasikas; stream enterers. Some of those will be members of Shakyamuni’s own family, including his wife, Yasodara and his step-mother Mahapajapti. Others that will be included are people who encountered the Buddha and became benefactors and practiced the tenets of his teachings in their everyday lives. We have yet finalize this list. We will explore their lives and see how these ancestors set the stage for us today.

Hybrid: In-Person and Zoom

Thursday, Nov. 27, 8:30 - 9:30 am
With Sosan Flynn

This program is offered freely, but participants may register with a donation if desired.

Join us on Thanksgiving morning for our annual Day of Gratitude Bowing Service. Sosan Flynn will lead us in 108 bows of repentance, refuge and gratitude. We welcome people of all abilities to bow in whatever way they can fully express this wonderful practice. The bowing service is a great way to begin your holiday. We hope to see you either in-person at the zendo or on Zoom.

In-Person Only

Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8 pm - Midnight
With Sosan and Koji


This program is offered freely, but participants may register with a donation if desired.

A fun alternative New Year's Eve celebration. Sosan, Koji, and others will lead us as we reflect on the past year, release what's unwanted, and ring in the new. The evening will include an outdoor fire ceremony, delicious soba noodles (prepared by Koji), and meditation to the sound of bells.