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!

What is Jukai?

Jukai, in Zen Buddhism, is the ceremony where a lay practitioner formally receives the Buddhist precepts and takes refuge in the Three Treasures: the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (community). It signifies a deeper commitment to Buddhist practice and a conscious embrace of the path of awakening. They sew a rakusu (small Buddhist robe), learn about the precepts, and participate in a Jukai ceremony where they receive a Buddhist Dharma name. 

Please be in touch with Myoshin for more info: myoshin@cloudsinwater.org

Hybrid: In-person and Zoom

Saturdays, January 3, February 7 and March 7

9 am - Noon

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

with Rev. Koji Acquaviva

There are ways of understanding both the world and the mind which can decrease stress, frustration and confusion while also connecting us to an appreciative experience of life.

In this series of long-form classes, we clarify the foundations of Buddhist thought, starting with early Buddhism and following the evolution of teaching and practice through the mahayana schools and culminating in an explanation of the unique teachings of Zen. The intention of this series is to offer practitioners a deeper understanding of the ideas which underpin Buddhist practice, making available a more subtle and nuanced interpretation of practice experiences.

Online registration ends 1/1/26. If you would like to register after that date, email koji@cloudsinwater.org.

Hybrid In-person and Zoom

Sunday, January 11 - Sunday, March 22

By donation: $5 - $700
No one turned away for lack of funds

With Taizan and Myoshin

Practice period gives us the opportunity to concentrate our Sangha energy on practicing together. This practice period, we'll focus on the Ten Essential Bodhisattva Precepts.

The Ten Essential Precepts: Practice Period Class

Hybrid In-person and Zoom

Thursdays, January 15 - March 19, 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Teachers: Sosan, MyoOn, Myoshin, Koji, and Taizan

Winter practice period will be a time to gather together in community to focus on the precepts. The precepts are the teachings that guide us in the way we treat each other and ourselves. They are lamps to guide our way. The ten essential precepts are guidelines for how a compassionate being acts in the world. This is an excellent class for many types of students: those new to the practice, those who have been practicing for a while, and those who are interested in participating in the Jukai ceremony on November 7, 2026.

In-person only

Saturday, January 31, 10 - 11:30 am

By donation: $5 - $50
No one turned away for lack of funds

With Myoshin and Sosan

At Clouds in Water, the teachers regularly practice "flower watering" where we express what we appreciate about one another. Flower Watering is the first step in the practice of "Beginning Anew" in which we also practice expressing remorse and offering forgiveness. This is a wonderful practice that anyone can do. In this workshop, parents are invited to come with their children, ages 6 and older. We will learn this practice together, emphasizing the expression of gratitude. 

Hybrid: In-person and Zoom

Wednesdays, February 11 - March 4, 7 - 9 pm

By donation: $5 - $280
No one turned away for lack of funds

In this class, we will delve deeply into the basic practices of Zen Buddhism. We will refine our meditation postures in ways that work for our own bodies, not some idealized versions of what a Zen student should look like. We will explore teachings that will help us learn how to come together in peace and harmony. We will practice being with our anger - not indulging in it, and not dismissing it. And we will cultivate mindful speech and deep listening in order to speak truth to power with a heart of compassion. All of these practices will help us to act in the best way possible in these difficult times. The class is designed with beginning students in mind, but is open to everyone.

In-person only

Saturday, February 14, 9 am - 1 pm

By donation: $5 - $155
No one turned away for lack of funds

With Rev. Jinzu Minna Jain

Join us this Valentine’s Day for a supportive morning of Zen meditation, chanting, tea, and a tiny Dharma talk. Basically, a mini retreat–the perfect way to care for yourself and all beings!

This is a good retreat for beginners and seasoned practitioners, alike. If you’ve been wanting to try a Zen meditation retreat, if your schedule doesn’t allow for a full retreat, or if you could use a pause in your busy life, please come.

Our entryway into Zen teachings for this half-day retreat is the Genjo Koan. Poetic, enigmatic, at turns strange-seeming, it’s a perfect example of Zen liturgy and literature.