Next Steps Class March 26th
Next Step is a 1½ hour class for those who have attended Beginners’ Instruction and would like to deepen their understanding of Zendo forms.
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.
ZenkeiJi: 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
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 weeks prompt is: What are 3 words you would use to describe Austin Zen Center?
Upcoming
Saturday Dharma Talk w/ Visiting Teacher Heather Martin March 28th
Please join us for a dharma talk with Visiting Teacher Heather Martin at 10:15am
Universal Ceasefire Sitting April 4th
Two periods of zazen followed by a service dedicated to peace, everywhere
Upcoming Bodhisattva Full Moon Ceremony April 1st
Following Wednesday evening zazen ~6:45pm. All are invited to join this monthly ceremony. No experience necessary.
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.