Minnesota Zen Meditation Center

Beautiful Opportunity:
"Healing Words, Healing Mind"
Suzuki Seido Roshi of Toshoji Monastery
Zen Buddhist calligraphy and photographs
Sept 6 ‒ 20, 2024
2409 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN

Toshoji Global Monastery Toshoji Global Monastery shares Soto School Zen monastic practice with all beings

"Zen Ritual and Liturgy: What is at the heart of bowing and chanting?" with Ben Connelly and Deb Mielke
Offered in person and online.
Begins this week!
Wednesdays, August 28 – September 25, 7:15 – 8:45 pm

Ritual is a basic component of our traditional style practice at MZMC and has been central to Buddhist and Zen practice for thousands of years. This class is an investigation of both how and why we do ritual: bowing, chanting, tending altars, and others. We'll also study the meaning and purpose for some of the chants we use at our Center. This is a foundations of practice class.
Register:

Foundations of Practice Class: Zen Ritual and Liturgy Zen Ritual and Liturgy: What is at the heart of bowing and chanting?with Ben Connelly and Deb MielkeRitual is a basic component of our traditional style practice at MZMC and has been central to Buddhist and Zen practice for thousands of years. This class is an investigation of both how and why we do...

Retreat at Hokyoji Zen Practice Community
with Ben Connelly and Guest Teacher Venerable Thuan Bach
September 17 (7 pm) - 22 (noon)
Hours for Full day: 5:45 am - 9:00 pm
Hours for Sunday: 5:45 - noon
Please register by September 12.

This retreat at Hokyoji, in the bluff country of southeastern Minnesota, is an opportunity to practice surrounded by nature, far from the distractions of city life. We alternate sitting and walking meditation throughout the day, along with daily dharma talks, one-to-one meetings with the teachers, vegetarian meals, a work period, and outdoor group meditation walks. Bring camping gear or sleep in dorm-like accommodations. You may sign up for five days, arriving Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., or for the weekend only, arriving Friday at 7 p.m.
More information, register, and read more about Guest Teacher Ven. Bach:

Retreat at Hokyoji Zen Practice Community Retreat at Hokyoji Zen Practice Communitywith Ben Connelly and Venerable Thuan BachSeptember 17 (7 pm) - 22 (noon)Hours for Full day: 5:45 am - 9:00 pmHours for Sunday: 5:45 - noonYou may sign up for five days, arriving Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., or for the weekend only, arriving Friday at 7 p.m.Please r...

Tara Dharma Group
with Deborah Mielke and Margaret Pfeffer
Monthly on the first Monday 7:10 - 8:30 pm
NOTE: Meets Thursday, September 5, as MZMC is closed for Labor Day.

Offered online and in person. No registration is necessary.

Please feel welcome to join our group of women, feminine spirited and trans participants for open discussion of dharma and feminine expression. This is intended as a safe space to build community, discussions and mutual support for members and nonmembers of MZMC, centering around the feminine experience. Meetings will start with a short silent meditation, check ins, then focus on a dharma topic to be determined each month. We hope that you will join us!
Zoom link on the website.

Fall Practice Period
"Dusting the Dustless Mirror: Living the Teachings of the Platform Sutra" with Ted O'Toole and Evan Britzius
​Offered online and in person
Wednesday evenings, October 2 – November 20, 7:15 – 8:45 pm OR Thursday mornings October 3 – November 21, 7:30 – 9:00 am

The topic of the fall Practice Period will be "Dusting the Dustless Mirror: Living the Teachings of the Platform Sutra." This sutra describes the life and teachings of Huineng, the sixth patriarch of the Ch’an tradition, opening with a famous poetry contest between a head monk, and an illiterate novice monk.
The Platform Sutra is the only Chinese Sutra, and was highly influential in the development of Ch’an and Zen. We will be using Red Pine’s translation: The Platform Sutra: The Zen Teaching of Huineng. This Practice Period will be co-led by Ted O'Toole and Evan Britzius, culminating in Evan’s Shuso ceremony.
Participants are expected to attend the eight weekly meetings, commit to regular zazen practice, attend at least one day of retreat (for which there is an additional cost), attend one work practice day, and read the assigned text. There will also be the option of having regular meetings with an assigned practice partner.
More information and register: https://www.mnzencenter.org/store/p127/Fall_Practice_Period.html

Sunday and Tuesday Speakers, Sundays at 10 am
Offered online and in person.
Please use the Zoom link for the Sunday and Tuesday talks.

Sunday Speakers:
September 1: Tim Burkett
September 8: Guest Teacher Gyokei Yokoyama
Gyokei Yokoyama trained at Eiheiji in 2000, while still studying at Sophia University in Tokyo, where he majored in intercultural communication and was involved in the interfaith community. He has been leading a lay sangha called Rocky Mountain Zen sangha in Alberta, Canada, since 2021. He will be traveling through the midwest on behalf of Soto Zen Buddhism North America to deepen the Dharma connection and share the news of Soto Zen North America.

September 15: Guest Teacher Venerable Thuan Bach
September 22: Ben Connelly
September 29: Bussho Lahn

Tuesday Speakers:
September 3: Margaret Pfeffer (This is a "Way-Seeking Mind" Talk. See details below.)
September 10: Wayne Moskowitz
September 17: Mark Turbak
September 24: Evan Britzius
October 1: Jey Ehrenhalt

Fall "Way-Seeking Mind" Talks:
MZMC is now offering "Way-Seeking Mind" talks on the first Tuesday of every other month. Way-Seeking Mind talks are personal stories of what brought a person to practice and what their practice life is like. They are popular at many other Zen centers. They are a way to bring out a more diverse array of voices and stories from the community.
Tuesday, September 3, 7:30 pm: Margaret Pfeffer
Tuesday, November 5, 7:30 pm: Judy Moreira
These talks are offered online and in person.
Please use the Zoom link for the Sunday and Tuesday talks.

Cutting Through the Noise
with Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown and Rev. Ben Connelly
Tuesdays, August 13 - September 17, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
George Floyd Square, 38th and Chicago
Join us! No registration necessary.

In a world rife with systemic injustice, “cutting through the noise” has never been more critical. Let us come together with a commitment to justice to embody peace and bear witness in shared public places. With a hope for deepening wellness, this six-week series will introduce and practice “retreat” in real time and space…right where we are!
Attendees will be invited to reflect, pray, or simply rest in the sights, sounds, and feelings of the present moment. Facilitators will provide brief instructions for finding mindful quiet.
To support this offering, we suggest a donation of $10 per event ($60 for the whole series). No one will be turned away. You may donate via Venmo to -Connelly-9 or at the events.

For more information about the events: https://www.facebook.com/share/Ao1uVFiZGLrNKfFt/
For more information about the facilitators:
http://jiastarrbrown.com
https://wisdomexperience.org/content-author/ben-connelly/
Questions? Please contact [email protected]

Jia Starr Brown Welcome to my website!

PLAN AHEAD: Fall 2024 Teen Program
Sundays, October 13 - November 3, 10 - 11 am
Offered on a donation basis.
To register, please contact the office: [email protected]

MZMC welcomes teens ages 12 - 15 to join us for this fall's MZMC Teen program. The program will explore the rich heritage of Buddhist philosophy and hands-on meditation and mindfulness practices.
Sessions will offer participants a rich, meaningful, and fun environment that is intended to offer ways that young people can bring the Buddha's teachings to life be it at home, at work, or at play.

Garden Gatherings Continue!
with Pat Canby and John Bruhn, Tuesdays at 11:00 am
We invite you to participate in weekly light yard work activities such as watering, weeding, trimming, etc. There is no need to sign up or commit to attending regularly. There is no minimum time-stay and no need to bring tools.
If you have any questions, or would like to come for some light work at another time, feel free to contact John Bruhn through the MZMC office.

We'd love to see you on any or all of the next six Tuesdays, Aug. 13-Sept. 17, 11:30am-12:30pm at George Floyd Square for Cutting Through the Noise: Exploring Mindfulness with a Social Justice Lens. More information in the comments.

Day of Practice
with Bussho Lahn
This Saturday, August 10, 8 am - 5 pm
Offered in person only.
Settle into a day of the stillness and quiet of Zen. This new restorative retreat offering is a day with a broad range of Soto Zen and MZMC practices. It will include most of the following: zazen, kinhin, ritual, dharma talk, movement practice, guided meditation, outdoor walk, work, art practice, and sharing in circle.
It will be less meditation intensive and physically rigorous than other MZMC retreats. It will be an opportunity for silent retreat, and an open door to total engagement with the present moment.
Register:

Day of Practice Day of PracticeOffered in person only Settle into a day of the stillness and quiet of Zen. This new restorative retreat offering is a day with a broad range of Soto Zen and MZMC practices. It will include most of the following: zazen, kinhin, ritual, dharma talk, movement practice, guided meditation...

Fall Morning Study Group:
"Communing with the Natural World with Wonder, Intimacy, and Love" with Tim Burkett and Judith Weyl
Offered online and in person​.
Tuesdays, August 27 - October 1, 7:30 – 9:00 am
Please register by August 20.
The focus of this study group will be Mary Oliver’s book West Wind: Poems and Prose Poems, which consists of only 40 poems. The west wind may serve as a metaphor for experiencing transition as a form of renewal and transformation—a means of altering our own internal landscape. We will explore how her approach compares with one or two traditional Zen poets who, like her, immersed themselves in nature with a similar curiosity and sense of wonder. Please register by August 20, as well as reading the assigned poems for the first class.
Register:

Fall Morning Study Group Fall Morning Study GroupCommuning with the Natural World with Wonder, Intimacy, and Love with Tim Burkett and Judith WeylOffered online and in person​.Tuesdays, August 27 - October 1, 7:30 – 9:00 amPlease register by August 20.Suggested donation: $125The focus of this study group will be Mary Ol...

Zen Ritual and Liturgy:
What is at the heart of bowing and chanting?
with Ben Connelly and Deb Mielke
Offered in person and online.
Wednesdays, August 28 – September 25, 7:15 – 8:45 pm

Ritual is a basic component of our traditional style practice at MZMC and has been central to Buddhist and Zen practice for thousands of years. This class is an investigation of both how and why we do ritual: bowing, chanting, tending altars, and others. We'll also study the meaning and purpose for some of the chants we use at our Center. This is a foundations of practice class.
Register:

Foundations of Practice Class: Zen Ritual and Liturgy Zen Ritual and Liturgy: What is at the heart of bowing and chanting?with Ben Connelly and Deb MielkeRitual is a basic component of our traditional style practice at MZMC and has been central to Buddhist and Zen practice for thousands of years. This class is an investigation of both how and why we do...

Retreat at Hokyoji Zen Practice Community
with Ben Connelly and Guest Teacher Venerable Thuan Bach
September 17 (7 pm) - 22 (noon)
Hours for Full day: 5:45 am - 9:00 pm
Hours for Sunday: 5:45 - noon
Please register by September 12.
More information, register, and read more about Guest Teacher Ven. Bach: www.mnzencenter.org

This retreat at Hokyoji, in the bluff country of southeastern Minnesota, is an opportunity to practice surrounded by nature, far from the distractions of city life. We alternate sitting and walking meditation throughout the day, along with daily dharma talks, one-to-one meetings with the teachers, vegetarian meals, a work period, and outdoor group meditation walks. Bring camping gear or sleep in dorm-like accommodations. You may sign up for five days, arriving Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., or for the weekend only, arriving Friday at 7 p.m.

Minnesota Zen Meditation Center ​Find Zoom Links for Our Programs

Cutting Through the Noise
with Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown and Rev. Ben Connelly
Tuesdays, August 13 - September 17, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
George Floyd Square, 38th and Chicago, Minneapolis.

In a world rife with systemic injustice, “cutting through the noise” has never been more critical. Let us come together with a commitment to justice to embody peace and bear witness in shared public places. With a hope for deepening wellness, this six-week series will introduce and practice “retreat” in real time and space…right where we are!
Attendees will be invited to reflect, pray, or simply rest in the sights, sounds, and feelings of the present moment. Facilitators will provide brief instructions for finding mindful quiet.
To support this offering, we suggest a donation of $10 per event ($60 for the whole series). No one will be turned away. You may donate via Venmo to -Connelly-9 or at the events.

For more information about the events: https://www.facebook.com/share/Ao1uVFiZGLrNKfFt/
For more information about the facilitators:
http://jiastarrbrown.com
https://wisdomexperience.org/content-author/ben-connelly/

Questions? Please contact [email protected]

Sunday Speakers
Sundays at 10 am, Offered online and in person.
Please use the Zoom link for the Sunday talk.

August 11: Guest Teacher Pearl Pham
Sister Pearl Pham will be joining us to give the Sunday talk. She is a Vietnamese-American Zen Buddhist nun and interfaith/Buddhist chaplain. Her interest include youth ministry, interfaith chaplaincy, spiritual direction and companionship, and spiritual health in palliative care.

August 18: Ted O'Toole
August 25: Ben Connelly

Affinity Groups at MZMC
Affinity groups provide a space for people who share identities or interests to create support, learning, and community.
- Waking Up To Race 3rd Thursday, May - October 2024
- LGBTQ+ Dharma Group Next meeting is Sunday, November 3.
- People of Color Dharma Group Next meeting is Mon., Aug. 12.
- Race and Climate Justice Justice Action
More info about all these on the website!

Fall 2024 Teen Program
Sundays, October 13 - November 3, 10 - 11 am
Offered on a donation basis.
To register, please contact the office: [email protected]

MZMC welcomes teens ages 12 - 15 to join us for this fall's MZMC Teen program. The program will explore the rich heritage of Buddhist philosophy and hands-on meditation and mindfulness practices.
Sessions will offer participants a rich, meaningful, and fun environment that is intended to offer ways that young people can bring the Buddha's teachings to life be it at home, at work, or at play.

Work Practice Afternoon
Sunday, August 18, after tea time, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
No need to register.

Work Practice is a traditional part of Zen mindfulness. Coming together in the spirit of the Buddha we do the best job we possibly can do to clean, fix, and organize our practice home. Taking joy in serving, we will commune, connect, and collaborate to making the space inviting for all to enjoy. This is a great way to practice mindful work and get to know the community!

Garden Gathering
with Pat Canby and John Bruhn, Tuesdays at 11:00 am

We invite you to participate in weekly light yard work activities such as watering, weeding, trimming, etc. There is no need to sign up or commit to attending regularly. There is no minimum time-stay and no need to bring tools.
If you have any questions, or would like to come for some light work at another time, feel free to contact John Bruhn through the MZMC office.

Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers are needed to lead meditation groups at Moose Lake and Lino Lakes correctional facilities.
If you are interested, please contact the MZMC office. [email protected]

Thank you for your generosity!
MZMC is an entirely donation-based organization. We rely on your generosity to sustain our programs and our practice home.
If you are not a sustaining member, please consider becoming one. Your generosity ensures that the Center will be here to support your Zen practice, and that our programs will be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
Find out more, or make a contribution, by contacting the office. Thank you! [email protected]

Garden Gathering
with Pat Canby and John Bruhn
Tuesdays at 11:00 am

We invite you to participate in weekly light yard work activities such as watering, weeding, trimming, etc. There is no need to sign up or commit to attending regularly. There is no minimum time-stay and no need to bring tools.
If you have any questions, or would like to come for some light work at another time, feel free to contact John Bruhn through the MZMC office.

Council Process: Taking Refuge
facilitated by Margaret Pfeffer
Monday, July 29, 7:15 - 8:30 pm
Offered in person only.
No registration necessary.
Many of us come to Buddhist practice because we are troubled and seeking refuge. We are encouraged to take refuge in Buddha, Dharma, Sangha as a way to understand our suffering and experience liberation. In our current world with so much chaos, suffering and rapid change, we may be challenged to practice taking refuge and to seeing it as a path to liberation. We may even feel conflicted with that language when what we want to do is launch ourselves into that world and fight for change.

Let’s come to together in Council Practice and spend an evening sharing what it means to take refuge. What does it look like? How do we experience it? Where does it fit in when, now more than ever, we are called to confront suffering, deal with change and create loving kindness in this world? How do we take refuge without spiritual by passing?

We invite you to join this opportunity to practice deep listening and wholehearted speech, to build community and connection. Council process is a way of deep sharing in which participants speak, one at a time, from the heart.

Tara Dharma Group
​with Deborah Mielke and Margaret Pfeffer
Monthly on the first Monday 7:10 - 8:30 pm
Begins on Monday, August 5.
Offered online and in person.
No registration is necessary.
Please feel welcome to join our group of women, feminine spirited and trans participants for open discussion of dharma and feminine expression. This is intended as a safe space to build community, discussions and mutual support for members and nonmembers of MZMC, centering around the feminine experience. Meetings will start with a short silent meditation, check ins, then focus on a dharma topic to be determined each month. We hope that you will join us.
(Link on website.)

Cutting Through the Noise
with Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown and Rev. Ben Connelly
Tuesdays August 13 -September 17, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
George Floyd Square, 38th and Chicago

In a world rife with systemic injustice, “cutting through the noise” has never been more critical. Let us come together with a commitment to justice to embody peace and bear witness in shared public places. With a hope for deepening wellness, this six-week series will introduce and practice “retreat” in real time and space…right where we are!
Attendees will be invited to reflect, pray, or simply rest in the sights, sounds, and feelings of the present moment. Facilitators will provide brief instructions for finding mindful quiet.
To support this offering, we suggest a donation of $10 per event ($60 for the whole series). No one will be turned away. You may donate via Venmo to -Connelly-9 or at the events.

For more information about the events: https://www.facebook.com/share/Ao1uVFiZGLrNKfFt/
For more information about the facilitators:
http://jiastarrbrown.com
https://wisdomexperience.org/content-author/ben-connelly/
Questions? Please contact [email protected]

Jia Starr Brown Welcome to my website!

Sunday Speakers
Sundays at 10 am
Offered online and in person.
Please use the Zoom link for the Sunday talk on the website.

July 21: Guest Teacher Myo-O Habermas-Scher
This Sunday, Rev. Myo-O Marilyn Habermas-Scher will give a talk called, "In Singing and Dancing is the Voice of the Law."

July 28: Ted O'Toole
August 4: Ted O'Toole
August 11: Guest Teacher Pearl Pham