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!

Getting Started in Zen

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!

Learn More
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.

Learn More
Realizing Deep Peace and Relaxation

July Hokyoji Retreat
REGISTRATION CLOSED!
Contact korin@cloudsinwater.org for
more infomation.

Saturday, July 26 - Saturday, August 2. (3-Night or 7-Night Options)
with Sosan Flynn and MyoOn Hagler
In-person only.
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.

Learn More
The Essence of Zen

With Taizan Alford
Tuesdays, Sept 9-30
6:30-8pm CT
Zoom only
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.

Register Here
Zen Ritual: Joint Sesshin at Ryumonji Zen Monastery

With Sosan Theresa Flynn and Shoken Winecoff
Friday, Sept. 19, 5 pm through Sunday, Sept. 21, 3 pm
In person only
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

Register Here