Welcome to AZC!

Austin Zen Center was founded to carry on the teaching of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi in the Soto Zen tradition. Suzuki Roshi's teaching is characterized by its patient and compassionate approach to practice. When the mind of zazen is lovingly extended to everyday life, our awareness of each moment increases and deep wisdom and compassion are born.

The practice of zazen is available to people of every race, religion, nationality, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, and physical ability.

May All Beings Realize Their True Nature.

Upcoming Events


New Year's Eve Celebration

New Year’s Eve Celebration

New Year's Eve from 8pm-1am
Bring in the New Year (Year of the Pig) Zen-style at the Austin Zen Center! ... Read More
Next Step: Meditation & Beyond Class

Next Step: Meditation & Beyond Class

Thursday, December 20th at 6:45-8:15pm
Next Step: Meditation & Beyond is a 1½ hour class for those who have attended ... Read More
Informal Christmas Eve Zazen and Potluck at AZC

Informal Christmas Eve Zazen and Potluck at AZC

Informal Christmas Eve Zazen & Potluck at AZC Please join us in a short Christmas ... Read More
Evening Beginner’s Meditation Instruction

Evening Beginner’s Meditation Instruction

Thursday, December 13th at 6:45-8:15 PM
AZC has begun offering an Evening Beginners' Meditation Instruction Class. It will feature a little ... Read More

AZC News


Take a Virtual Tour of AZC

Interested in stopping by for meditation but want to scope the place out first? See the Virtual Tours of AZC below. Use the navigation arrows to get a 360° view ... Read More

Head Teacher Installation Ceremony

Many deep bows of gratitude to the Austin Zen Center Board of Directors, Senior Dharma Teacher Ryushin Paul Haller, Rev. Unzan Doshin, Mako Voelkel and the entire AZC Membership for ... Read More

Seeking WordPress Help for AZC’s Website

We are looking for tech-savvy folks who may be willing to help us with our WordPress-based Website. Please contact Mako if interested ... Read More

Learn about Oryoki

Oryoki (roughly meaning "just enough") is a formal way of serving and eating meals in Zen monasteries. Literally a "vessel" (ki 器) that contains an "appropriate amount" (ōryō 應量) of food ... Read More

Austin Zen Center T-Shirt: Order Here!

We are now taking orders for the recent AZC T-Shirt! Available in Black or White/Off-White, in Unisex (Crew) or Women's cut (V-neck), and in sizes ranging from XS -XL. Front ... Read More

Join the AZC Member Directory

All are welcome to join our fledgling Member Directory to help facilitate intra-sangha communication and collaboration. This is an opt-in situation, where you select what information to share in the ... Read More

Dharma Talk Library

Most Recent Dharma Talk

"Is That So?"

by Tim Kroll
October 6th, 2018

Listen Now! Tim Kroll

Photo Galleries

New Years Eve 2017 Buddha's Birthday Celebration Earth Day Celebration

Community Work Practice

Seijiki 2017

Tassajara Sangha Week

Community Spotlight

Q: Why do you practice at AZC?

  • Ivey LianIvey LianMember Since: 2012

    ❝I am a member because AZC is my home.❞

  • David AdelmanDavid AdelmanMember Since: 2009

    ❝I support AZC because of the open-heartedness + compassion of the community!❞

  • Jeanne DakeJeanne DakeMember Since: 2014

    ❝Love + Sangha ... Joy, Peace Today!❞

  • Charles BallCharles BallMember Since: 2008

    ❝It's the people!❞

  • Mako VoelkelMako VoelkelMember Since: 2014

    ❝To support all beings without exception, to awaken to their true nature of boundless love and unsurpassed wisdom❞

  • Anne HandleyAnne HandleyMember Since: 2010

    ❝To meditate with you here, now.❞

  • Jack HohengartenJack HohengartenMember Since: 2008

    ❝Dharma!❞

  • Pat YingstPat YingstMember Since: 2009

    ❝I love this practice! I love these people!❞

  • Robert WilsonRobert WilsonMember Since: 2010

    ❝Being accepted.❞

  • Melanie GulickMelanie GulickMember Since: 2010

    ❝I am a member to experiment and learn together as a community. To be more compassionate, loving, & kind. And to awaken!❞

  • Bruce SmithBruce SmithMember Since: 2012

    ❝Because in a sense, we are all refugees.❞

  • Lysa AllenLysa AllenMember Since: 2016

    ❝Feels like home.❞

  • Ernest CapleErnest CapleMember Since: 2013

    ❝Perfect smiles.❞

  • Catherine van ZantenCatherine van ZantenMember Since: 2010

    ❝I have found my spiritual home.❞

  • Kim MosleyKim MosleyMember Since: 2008

    ❝Something inside me drives to AZC.❞

  • Barbara NoblinBarbara NoblinMember Since: 2013

    ❝This sangha is home.❞

  • Jonathen RileyJonathen RileyMember Since: 2016

    ❝Enlightenment through work.❞

  • Kathy GoodwinKathy GoodwinMember Since: 2014

    ❝We all need the sangha!❞

  • Eric LockerEric LockerMember Since: 2014

    ❝Love + sangha.❞

  • Chris AzbillChris AzbillMember Since: 2016

    ❝Austin Zen Center is my home.❞

  • Richard GrafRichard GrafMember Since: 2014

    ❝For world peace.❞

  • Tracy CramerTracy CramerMember Since: 2017

    ❝I'm here because I can't do this without you!❞

  • Jeremy ShoemakerJeremy ShoemakerMember Since: 2013

    ❝No matter where you go ... There you are!❞

  • Jōshin ShaevelJōshin ShaevelMember Since: 2012

    ❝Awakening!❞