Annual Earth Day Ceremony April 18th
Everyone is warmly invited to participate in our annual Earth Day ceremony and make an intention to honor the earth.
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
Arriving at Zenkei-ji feels like coming home
Oryoki at Zenkei-ji was simply beautiful. Not just because of the meaningful form and presence it brings to that moment, but because I felt enveloped in loving kindness by the sangha members who served and cleaned, and by the patient and gentle guidance of the more experienced members sitting by my side.
I’ve always loved the Full Moon Ceremony because it feels like such a powerful invocation of our practice. Stating a vow out loud and in sangha makes it real in a way that just reading words on a page cannot do. The call and response of the 16 bodhisattva precepts inspires me and deepens my commitment to practice.
Compassion.
Calm.
Community.
Calm.
Community.
Clear headed
Friendly
Sincere
Friendly
Sincere
GROUNDED
INSPIRING
COMMUNITY
Nourishment
practiceharmony
My favorite is the full moon ceremony. I appreciate the opportunity to revisit the precepts, and take “repentance” with and among the sangha. I also appreciate the aesthetic and embodied qualities of the bells and bowing.
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.
2026 is the 25th anniversary of Austin Zen Center at Zenkei-ji temple, our home on Washington Square. Please help us celebrate this auspicious occasion, whether you are a long-time member of the sangha or have recently joined.
Every two weeks, we will provide a new question or prompt to get you thinking about what AZC and the temple mean to you.
This week’s prompt is: What is your Favorite Zen Ceremony and Why?
Upcoming
Ceremony to Install Tanto April 25th
Please join us for a Ceremony to install Anzan Chris Azbill as AZC’s new Tanto.
Membership Meeting & Potluck April 25th
All are welcome to attend the annual meeting to hear from AZC’s board of directors and share a meal with the sangha.
Next Steps Class April 30
Next Step is a 1½ hour class for those who have attended Beginners’ Instruction and would like to deepen their understanding of Zendo forms.
We acknowledge that we practice on Indigenous land. We acknowledge and pay respects to the Carrizo & Comecrudo, Coahuiltecan, Caddo, Tonkawa, Comanche, Lipan Apache, Alabama-Coushatta, Kickapoo, Tigua Pueblo, and all the American Indian and Indigenous Peoples and communities who have been or have become a part of these lands and territories in Texas.
Affiliate Groups and Gatherings
Beginner’s Instruction
We welcome you to familiarize yourself with the Austin Zen Center and our core practice by attending the Beginner’s Class held on Saturdays at 8am.
Circle of Men
This group is led by Zen practitioners with experience in group facilitation and men’s group participation. Please join us.
Dharma Discussion Group
This peer led book group meets weekly online to promote engaged practice and Dharma discussion.
Sundays in the Garden
All are welcome to join us in the opportunity to engage in (mostly) silent work-practice in the beautiful Austin Zen Center garden.
Join the AZC Chat Room (on Discord)
Austin Zen Center has a live chat server for Sangha members and those interested in AZC!
Sponsored Programs Hosted at AZC
In addition to its programs, the Austin Zen Center has offered their facilities to two independent programs. You can find more information about them here.