Bay Zen Center

The Bay Zen Center offers a non-denominational approach to cultivating Zen mindful awareness and presence in the activities of daily life. It is open to beginner and experienced practitioners and people of all traditions.

Our practice is down-to-earth, practical, and centered in the understanding that it is in the heart of our daily life—in the workplace, at home, through relationships, in the community—that we can learn to engage with clarity, intelligence, and love. The foundation of our practice rests in the Zen Buddhist tradition, but we are open to teachings from other wisdom traditions.

Diane Eshin Rizzetto is the teacher and abbess of the Bay Zen Center. Membership is open to people who live locally and at a distance.The Bay Zen Center is an affiliate of the Ordinary Mind Zen School.

BZC’s schedule includes:

• Weekly Zen Mindfulness Meditation
• Private practice meeting with the teacher
• Retreats
• Dharma Talks
• Classes

Individuals interested in becoming members are asked to participate as regularly as their schedule permits for two months prior to applying for membership. Associate membership is available for those living more than 2 hour driving distance from the center.

Information

For information on schedules and instruction, please call or write BZC. Please note that BZC is not a residential center, so overnight accommodations are only available for those attending sesshins.

We love it when people come by and check us out, so please feel free to attend any of our scheduled sittings. You don’t need to call ahead. Wear comfortable clothing and please try not to wear scents since some people are sensitive.

There are chairs, sitting cushions and sitting benches for you to choose whichever you are most comfortable with. Just come in and sit in whatever position is comfortable for you.Our meditations are usually no longer than 35 minutes and if you need to move during that time, please feel free to change your positions. We just ask that you don’t get up and move around the zendo (meditation room) during the sitting period.