Compassionate Ocean Zen Center is dedicated to the central practice of awakening for the benefit of all. The activities of the Center cultivate awareness of the essential beauty and dignity of life coming from full engagement with life-as-it-is.
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This year the Center is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Throughout the year our community will offer a number of special events to honor the path that has brought us here and the path that continues to unfold.​ Click the banner above to learn more.
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Compassionate Ocean Zen Center is named after Jikai Dainin Katagiri Roshi, the root teacher of Joen and Michael O’Neal. Jikai (Compassionate Ocean) refers to reality itself, which always holds us and bathes us with compassion. Even in times of great suffering, we are held in the great ocean of Buddha’s compassion.
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The Center offers programs in Zen practice and study. We also offer the nationally-acclaimed Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program quarterly.
Happenings
​​​Meditation
Sunday Meditation & Dharma Talk
Sundays, 9:00–11:15 a.m.
Weekday Morning Meditation
Monday–Friday, 7:00–8:00 a.m.
Thursday Evening Meditation
Thursdays, 7:30–9:00 p.m.
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Classes
Mondays: Introduction to Zen Practice Mini-Course
Summer: July 7 – July 14
Tuesdays: Introduction to Mindfulness (MBSR)
Summer: June 10 – July 29 (Cancelled)
Wednesdays: Buddhist Studies
Summer: June 11 – July 30
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Retreats
Sesshin at Ryumonji Monastery
Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 20
Practice Period at Hokyoji Temple
Monday, Aug. 25 – Monday, Sep. 1
Retreat at Compassionate Ocean
Friday, Sep. 26 – Sunday, Sep. 28
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Special Events
Flowing like a River - An Evening of Poetry & Music at Compassionate Ocean
June 20, 6:30–9:00 p.m.
The Zen of Oz: Presentation, Film Screening & Reception at the Heights Theater
Aug. 3, 1:00–4:30 p.m.
Upcoming Courses
Buddhist Studies
Fall Topic: TBA
Fall 2025
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This course will be offered in-person at the Center, with an option for remote participation via Zoom if requested.
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Wednesdays, Sep. 24 – Nov. 12
7:00–9:00 P.M.
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Classes consist of zazen (sitting meditation), instructor presentation & discussion.
Other Practice Opportunities
Retreats (Sesshin)
In-Person
Pre-Registration Required
​​​​Retreat at Ryumonji Monastery
Friday, July 18, 7:00 P.M.–Sunday, July 20, 12:00 P.M.
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Practice Period at Hokyoji Temple
Monday, Aug. 25, 7:00 P.M.–Monday, Sep. 1, 12:00 P.M.
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Retreat at Compassionate Ocean
​​​​Friday, Sep. 26, 7:00 P.M.–Sunday, Sep. 28, 12:00 P.M.
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​Retreat at Compassionate Ocean
​​​​Friday, Oct. 24, 7:00 P.M.–Sunday, Oct. 26, 12:00 P.M.