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
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.
My favorite is the Full Moon Ceremony. The combination of formalized ritual, embodied movement, and spirit of surrender and refuge feels powerful and restorative every time. The first time I heard the kokyo chant the refuges, it took my breath away.
Chanting is such a unifying and resonant group experience. After the calming of the mind thru sitting, and creating group cohesion and harmony thru walking meditation, joining our voices to chant is to my spirit what incense is to sense of smell. 🙏🏼🦋
Community - Refuge - Giving back - Support -Sangha in action - Friendship - Finding joy - Co-nourishment - Belonging.
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:
“Can you describe a moment of unexpected kindness or support from someone in the sangha?”
Upcoming
Memorial Service for Zenkei Blanche Hartman May 13th
During morning service, we will hold the annual memorial ceremony for AZC’s Founder. All are welcome.
Zazenkai (AM & PM) Saturday May 16th
For more information or to make an optional suggested donation, click below.
Zenkei-Ji 25th Anniversary Content Needed
Submit your stories and photos in celebration of 25 years at Zenki-ji temple.
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.