In October of 2003, San Antonio Zen arose out of a wish to share the Dharma and sitting practice in the Soto traditions of Shunryu Suzuki. This wish was realized with the guidance and example of the teachers and students of the Austin Zen Center. We also have cultivated and cherished ties with the Houston Zen Center and the San Francisco Zen Center.

We aspire to benefit all beings (including ourselves) in each moment, unconditionally, with awareness, energy, lovingkindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity, relaxing with what is, to realize awakening. Do not imagine that you must develop all of these qualities before you come sit with us. It is called “sitting practice,” not “sitting perfection.”

Beginner’s MeditATIon InSTRucTion

This class is offered for people who want to learn Zen meditation and get to know the San Antonio Zen Center.
Typically, this class is offered the first Saturday of every month from noon - 2:00 pm.. It is taught by one of our senior members and lasts approximately 2 hours. Our next offerings are Saturday, February 7 and Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Please sign up by using the sign-up sheet in the foyer, by calling 210-257-8383, or by emailing info@sanantoniozen.org

the One Day workshop on Death + Dying —- rescheduled for Saturday, february 14, 2026

Sallie Jiko Tisdale is a Zen teacher, writer, palliative nurse, and a practitioner at Dharma Rain Zen Center in Portland. Based on her work, Advice for Future Corpses and Those Who Love Them - A Practical Perspective on Death and Dying, she will guide us through the important terrain of end of life and how to truly prepare. If you were not previously registered and are interested, email us at info@sanantoniozen.org - there may be spots available.

From Sallie: We can only truly face the koan of existence by facing our own deaths. In this workshop, we will speak bluntly and honestly about our fears, hopes, and question regarding our death and the deaths of those near us. Participants will gain information about preparing for a death and the many complications that surround this universal experience. A surprisingly fun day!

Half Day and full day Sittings

SAZC is committed to offering longer practice opportunities to help us all deepen our practice. Zazen alternates with kinhin (walking meditation) with some teaching and chanting practice. We’ll have time for tea and dialogue.

Your may get more information by emailing us. These retreats are appropriate for beginners as well as experienced practitioners. Please join us in our retreat practice!

Next Half-day sitting is Saturday, March 28 along with our regular Saturday program.

Council Practice

We gather quarterly to sit in silence and sit in deep listening to share our lives, practice, celebrations and challenges. Everyone is invited to share a dedicated space with community (sangha). Our next Council practices are Tuesday, January 27 and Tuesday, April 7 at 6:45.

Full Moon Ceremony

The Ryaku Fusatsu, or Bodhisattva Ceremony, honors the Buddhas and Ancestors at (or close to) the full moon for a ritual of confession, taking refuge, and committing to the precepts. It is an age-old tradition with roots in Shakyamuni Buddha's sangha's forest practice.

It emphasizes letting go and beginning again, keeping our zen practice vital and full of heart. Our next Bodhisattva Ceremony will be on Saturday, January 31 at 9:25 am.
See our Programs page and Calendar for more information.

Meditation and Recovery

Join us Friday evenings at 7 pm for a 20-minute meditation followed by a 12-step style discussion of how Buddhism relates to the principles of recovery. This meeting is for those members of other 12-step groups (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, etc.) who want to learn more about how these principles could be applied in light of Buddhist teachings.
Email zen12stepmeeting@gmail.com for more information.

Recovery Group meets on holidays as well as during SAZC interims.

Buddhist practice and living an ethical life

A study on the 16 great Bodhisattva Precepts

The heart of Buddhist practice is the study of how we live, how we take our practice from the cushion to the kitchen, the office, our relationships.

Anyone interested in studying the precepts, and perhaps formally receiving them, are warmly invited to join the class. It is also important for those of us who have already received them to return to our study and practice.

In-person recommended and Zoom options available. Wednesday evenings 6:45 - 8:15 pm beginning January 21, 2026.

Zoom Link: https://bit.ly/3fMCa6e
Passcode: 674394