About SAn Antonio Zen Center

Mission Statement

The San Antonio Zen Center community offers a haven of peace and harmony in which to engage in the arduous task of self-discovery through Zen practice. Welcoming diversity, the practice of zazen is available to people of every race, religion, nationality, class, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, and physical ability.

May all beings realize their true nature.

History

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 to sit with us. It is called “sitting practice,” not “sitting perfection.”

our Operating Philosophy

The San Antonio Zen Center opens its doors and freely teaches the dharma using the principle of dana. Dana is a Pali word that means “generosity” or “freely giving”. It is one of the six paramitas, or “perfections” in Mahayana Buddhism. These paramitas are noble character qualities generally associated with enlightened beings. In essence, we do not charge for participation in any of our services or retreats; however, this does not mean they are free or that we exist outside the financial confines of our contemporary world. We depend on the generosity of each being, according to their ability. To exist under this model is no easy feat and we are grateful for everything offered by our members and visitors.