Welcome to the Austin Zen Center
Austin Zen Center is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple that offers meditation, dharma talks, ceremonies, classes, workshops, and more. All are warmly invited to participate in person at our north-central Austin location.
Online participation is also offered for many of our programs. [ 👩🏽💻 Join Live Practice ]
At AZC, all people of every race, religion, nationality, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, and physical ability are welcome to practice with the community. May all beings realize their true nature.
Zenkei-ji: a 25 year journey
Being part of Women's Circle has enriched my life and broadened my horizons. Pat Yingst always thinks of such good topics for discussion.
I appreciate how the grounds exists as its own ecosystem yet remains open and accessible to whatever/whoever will one day enter and inform it.
My first interaction with the AZC was during a work period where I was able to introduce myself and support the work taking place. The art of just showing up and doing continues to anchor my Zen practice.
Appreciating the life of a growing plant with consideration of celebrating the momentary enjoyment of form and color and the healing qualities of light and breath taking place between plants and people provides a gentle framework for approaching gardening 🌦️
Morning zazen. The best to greet the day is by simply being, bowing, and remembering the words of the ancestors.
During a Dharma Q & A session, someone noted that "bowing is like pouring one's self out, letting go of the self." This perspective has resonated with me deeply; I now visualize the act of bowing as a teapot pouring out the self. Given how frequently we bow at AZC, I appreciate the many opportunities this practice provides to practice letting go.
It’s a small thing, but I love it when the names of women ancestors are chanted in the morning during soji. I came from a religion where women aren’t allowed to be teachers or leaders. To see not just women leaders, but also an establishment of a women’s ancestor lineage which we honor, makes me glad to be a part of the sangha.
