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
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
Fall: Sep. 15 – Sep. 22
Tuesdays: Introduction to Mindfulness (MBSR)
Fall: Sep. 23 – Nov. 11
Wednesdays: Buddhist Studies
Fall: Sep. 24 – Nov. 12
Summer: June 11 – July 30
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Retreats
Practice Period at Hokyoji Zen Practice Community
Monday, Aug. 25 – Monday, Sep. 1
Retreats at Compassionate Ocean
Friday, Sep. 26 – Sunday, Sep. 28
Friday, Oct. 24 – Sunday, Oct. 26
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Special Events
The Zen of Oz: Presentation, Film Screening & Reception at the Heights Theater
Aug. 3, 1:00–4:30 p.m.
Fall Open House
Sep. 13, 6:30–9:00 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
Meditation & Gatherings
In-Person and via Zoom
Monday–Friday
7:00–8:00 A.M.​​​​​​​
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Thursday Evening
7:30–9:00 P.M.
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Sunday (No Sunday gatherings during August)
9:00–11:15 A.M. (Includes Dharma Talk)
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​​​Welcome Session for New People
Sunday, Sep. 14th, 9:00–11:15 A.M.
Retreats (Sesshin)
In-Person
Pre-Registration Required
​​​​​​Practice Period at Hokyoji Zen Practice Community
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.
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​​​​Rohatsu Sesshin at Compassionate Ocean
Monday, Dec. 1, 7:00 P.M. – Monday, Dec. 8, 12:00 P.M.