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!

Various Dates

Zen Family

For children ages 1-5 years old, and their caregivers

Zen Family Practice at Clouds in Water Zen Center is an opportunity for children ages 1-5 and their caregivers to learn and practice mindfulness together as part of a community.

Youth Practice

For Children Grades 1-6

In Youth Practice at Clouds in Water, students will learn broader concepts of the dharma and mindfulness through instruction by dedicated Zen practitioners.

Teen Practice

For 7th - 12th graders

The Teen Group is a combination of basic Buddhist teachings, fun activities, and social time. We practice inclusivity, self-awareness, and basic values such as honesty, patience, and compassion, as they relate to teen life.

In-person only

With Revs Koji Acquaviva & Jinzū Minna Jain

Tuesdays October 20, 27 & November 10, 17, 6:30 - 8:00 pm

By donation: $5 - $210
No one turned away for lack of funds

Online registration ends 10/18/26. If you would like to register after that date, email jinzu@cloudsinwater.org.

These are very difficult times, and many of us are yearning for a felt sense of something larger than ourselves. We are witnessing the power of ritual as potent medicine for collective grief and healing in our social movement spaces. How can we bring to life the often forgotten tools of ritual and magic within Zen Buddhism?

In this class we will explore the path of Buddhist rites and magic which have been present in every stream of Asian Buddhism since the earliest days of the tradition. We will look at the underpinnings of the rituals of the Sōtō school of Zen as well as other practices such as recitation and visualization and their role in transformation and liberation. We’ll experience an eye-opening ceremony for a new Buddha statue at Clouds, invite you to a seijiki ceremony for nourishing the spirits of those who have died, talk about the spirits who live on our altars (and in waterfalls!), learn what we’re actually doing when we offer incense, bells, and candlelight, and more. Our hope is that after this class, participants will feel a deeper connection to the Zen Buddhist tapestry of the seen and unseen, have a broader appreciation for the liturgical and tantric elements of Buddhism and find ways to integrate these practices into their daily lives. 

In-person only

With Rev. Koji Aquaviva (all pronouns) and Rev. Jinzu Minna Jain (they/them)

Friday, Oct 30, 7:00 - 9:00 pm 

No one turned away for lack of funds

Online registration ends 10/28/2026. Registration encouraged but not required.

A 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. 

In-person and Zoom (for most sessions)

With Rev. Myoshin Diane Benjamin (she/her)

• Sunday, Nov. 8, meditation & opening Dharma talk (in person or Zoom) 9:00–10:30 am

• Tuesdays, Nov. 10/17: morning meditation (in person or Zoom) 6:30-8:00 am; evening zazen (via Zoom) 8:30-9:00 pm

• Wednesdays, Nov. 11/18: evening meditation (in person or Zoom), 5:30 – 6:00 pm

• Wednesdays, Nov. 11/19: class, 6:30 - 8:00 pm

• Thursdays, Nov. 12/19: morning meditation, (in person or Zoom) 6:30 – 8:00 am;

• Saturday, Nov. 14: half-day retreat (with MyoOn) (in person only; register separately for this offering)

By donation: $5 - $100   (not including Saturday half-day retreat)

No one turned away for lack of funds

Online registration ends 11/6/26. If you would like to register after that date, email myoshin@cloudsinwater.org.

A practice intensive offers a more focused, collective practice experience while maintaining our usual obligations. Over two weeks, participants are invited to attend morning sitting meditations at Clouds, a weekly evening sitting via Zoom, a half-day retreat on Saturday morning, and a class on two Wednesday evenings

During this practice intensive, we will receive inspiration and support from Zen Master Dogen’s essay, “The Bodhisattva’s Four Embracing Actions” or “The Bodhisattva’s Four Methods of Guidance.” The first is Giving; the second is Loving-Speech; the Third is Beneficial-Action; and the fourth is Identity-Action, or realizing the unity of self and others. Written in 1243 during a tumultuous time in the life of Dogen’s small monastic community, it offers guidance about how to live in our challenging times in a way that benefits others.

In person and Zoom

With Rev. MyoOn Susan Hagler (she/her)

Saturday, November 14

9 am - 12:30 pm

By donation: $5 - $75
No one turned away for lack of funds

Online registration ends 11/11/26. If you wish to sign up after that date, contact myoshin@cloudsinwater.org.

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 vegan lunch.

Hybrid: In-person and Zoom

With Sosan (she/her) and Jinzu (they/them)

Thursday, Nov 27

9 - 10 am

By donation
No one turned away for lack of funds

Online registration ends 11/25/26. Registration encouraged but not required.

Join us on Thanksgiving morning for our annual Day of Gratitude Bowing Service. We will practice 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.

Zoom link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85827536840?pwd=GKgPBrXDFSMcob4uKobzRnyOsv1yPN.1

Passcode: 871608

In-person only

With transmitted teachers

Monday evening, November 30, 5 pm through Sunday morning, December 6, 11:00 am

Partial Participation is possible; please contact Myoshin@cloudsinwater.org if you are interested

By donation: $5.00 - $600.00
No one turned away for lack of funds

Online registration ends 11/25/2026. If you would like to register after that date, email myoshin@cloudsinwater.org

Zen Buddhists around the world sit in meditation the first week in December to commemorate and re-enact the enlightenment of the Buddha. This December, our transmitted teachers will lead this annual meditation retreat.

As we enter into the darkness of the winter months for Rohatsu sesshin, we are invited to open to the precious awakening that is available to us. 

Rohatsu sesshin will include multiple periods of sitting and walking meditation, 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 teachers. We will practice noble silence and refrain from unnecessary speech.