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.
This class is typically the first Saturday of every month. It is taught by one of our senior members and lasts approximately 2 hours. Our next offering is Saturday, August 2.

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

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. Watch the calendar for dates when we will offer this practice.

A special visit from Abbot jiryu rutschman-byler

Join us on Wednesday, August 13, from 6:45 - 8:15 pm as we welcome the Abbot of Green Gulch Farm/San Francisco Zen Center. Rev. Jiryu will share the new book of the teachings of Suzuki Roshi called Becoming Yourself: Teachings on the Zen Way of Life. We will sit, have tea, hear the Dharma of our Zen grandfather, Shunryu Suzuki. There will be time for conversation.

Half Day and full day Sittings

SAZC is committed to offering longer practice opportunities to help us all deepen our practice. Some are half-days, some full-days. Zazen alternates with kinhin (walking meditation) with some teaching and chanting practice. We’ll have time for tea and dialogue. Our next offering is a half day Zazenkai on Sunday, August 3, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm.

Your may sign up in the foyer or by emailing us. Feel free to reach out with questions. This retreat is appropriate for beginners as well as experienced practitioners. Please join us in our retreat practice!

Council Practice

Quarterly Tuesdays 6:45 - 7:45 pm
Join us as we celebrate and build community through the practice of council. We sit in a circle, establish guidelines and potential topics, and practice sharing our own good hearts and minds. Everyone welcome, confidentiality and deep listening are primary, as is the right to pass. Our next Council practice is Tuesday, September 16. Email us for more information.

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.

Half Day recovery retreat

SAZC will offer a half day retreat for those practicing in recovery. Saturday, August 16, from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Please contact Kruba Chris for more information and to sign up.

A Dharma Class with Kruba Chris  

Tuesday Evenings, July 22- Sept 2, 6:45 -8:00 PM: Tools for Empowerment and Conflict Resolution - a 7 week journey.

Feeling overwhelmed by conflict—within or without? This class offers practical tools drawn from classic Buddhist teachings to help you meet despair with clarity and respond to powerlessness with courage.

From Personal Struggles to Global ChallengesWe’ll explore how inner strength arises, how self-pity transforms into compassion, and what fuels meaningful action. Each week features a themed exploration with guided meditation, a short dharma talk, and space for open sharing.

Everyone Is Welcome - Come with an open heart. Leave with tools for lasting change