The easiest way to familiarize yourself with the Austin Zen Center and our core practice is to start by attending the Beginners’ Class held on Saturdays from 8:00–9:00am. We do not offer the Beginners’ Class on Saturdays when the zendo is used for an all-day or multi-day retreat.  Be sure to check the calendar for class availability. 

This class is held in the zendo (meditation hall) in the main building at 3014 Washington Square. Participants will be given meditation instruction (the core practice of Zen Buddhism), a general orientation to the Center (as much as possible), and an opportunity to ask questions about Zen practice in general as well as the Austin Zen Center.

All participants are invited to join the Saturday Morning Program immediately after the Beginner’s class, which includes zazen, chanting service, and Dharma talk followed by conversation.

The suggested donation for Beginners’ Instruction is $15.

While AZC is committed to offering the Saturday Morning Program, weekly periods of zazen, and study/discussion groups free-of-charge, we actively encourage (and rely upon) the generous support of guests, members, and supporters through general donations and membership pledges.