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

Candlelight:Sundays, 7:00–8:15pm Beginning March 22nd, for 8 weeks

White Clouds: Tuesdays, 6:45 - 8:15pm
Beginning March 17, for 8 weeks

By donation
No one turned away for lack of funds

Candlelight Yoga with Eishō Felicia Sy:

As the week gently comes to a close, you are invited into a quiet, sanctuary of rest and collective care. Candlelight Restorative Yoga for Sleep is a deeply nourishing Sunday evening practice designed to support the body’s natural capacity to settle, restore, and prepare for sleep.

This class is well suited for all bodies and all levels, especially those experiencing stress, fatigue, or difficulty sleeping. Come as you are. Leave rested, grounded, and supported.

White Clouds Yoga with Maja Radovanlija:

White Clouds Old Path yoga is restorative slow flow style that draws from traditional Himalayan yoga, yoga Nidra, Yin yoga, Deep Listening and other relaxation/restorative traditions. We will go through very gentle movements, and relaxation techniques. Each class will have a deep listening component with live music (by me and my musicians friends).

All are welcome: this class is especially designed to accommodate all levels, and meet you where you are!

Zoom Only

Tuesdays, March 10 - April 7

7 - 8 pm

Sponsored by the WURK (white-practitioners unraveling racial karma) Group at Clouds

This is a peer-led group, so there is no associated fee. However, contributions are appreciated to help cover Clouds in Water's administrative costs.

Facilitated by Rakurei Tom Bailey and Patricia DeBoer

Join us to read and discuss this compelling invitation to racial healing by the late Dr. Larry Ward, cofounder of the Lotus Institute, who was ordained to teach by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh in 2000.

"Larry Ward offers a deeply insightful analysis of America’s racial karma- of how it operates individually and collectively- and how it can be worked with and transformed. Drawing on Buddhist psychology, trauma theory, neurosience, and years of practice, the result is a searing, liberative, and tender work."  Jan Willis, author of Dharma Matters

email rakurei@cloudsinwater.org with any questions.

In-person only

Saturday, March 14, 9 am - 12:30 pm

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

With Rev. 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

Wednesdays, April 8 - 29
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

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

With Kikan Michael Howard

Zen Master Dōgen’s Fukanzazengi (“Universal Recommendation for Zazen”) is the cornerstone of Sōtō Zen Buddhist teaching. Composed by Dōgen in the 13th century, this short text conveys the fundamental understanding of the Zen school, and both the how and the why of Zen meditation. Traditionally and at Clouds in Water, it is recited every evening during sesshin (meditation retreat), but it has meaning for practitioners in all walks of life (hence, “Universal Recommendation.”)

In this four-week course, we will survey Katagiri Roshi’s teachings on Fukanzazengi, drawn from talks transcribed by the course instructor, Kikan Michael Howard. Come join us for this fresh and lively investigation of teachings from two great Zen masters, Dogen and Katagiri!

In-person only

Friday, April 10, 5 pm through Sunday, April 12, 3 pm

By donation: $5 - $360
No one tuned away for lack of funds

With Guiding Teacher Rev. Sosan Theresa Flynn

During this retreat, we will explore teachings from Asvaghosa's "Awakening of Faith," learning how a person can participate in the life of the infinite while still participating in the practice of helping suffering beings in the relative world. This requires inner strength and balance that can be supported by sitting in stillness. We will sit, walk, eat, and move in stillness in the beauty of nature.

Hokyoji Zen Practice Community rests on 105 acres of forested land at the corner where Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa meet. Lodging is in a comfortable dorm, with single accommodations available.

While this retreat is appropriate for beginners, if you have not done a sesshin previously, please contact the Ino (retreat coordinator) before registering to help determine if a retreat is right for you at this time.