Austin Zen Center – A Soto Zen Community

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.
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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.

Requested: Auction Donations

As a part of the 25th anniversary celebration this fall, we will hold a silent auction with proceeds going toward our general donation fund. If you would like to donate something to the auction (e.g. artwork, dharma books, gift basket, gift certificate) please contact admin@austinzencenter.org for more information.

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.