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.​ ​​​
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.
Sunday Meditation & Dharma Talk
Sundays, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
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2026 Winter Classes
Mondays: Introduction to Zen Practice Mini-Course
Jan. 26 – Feb. 2
Mar. 2 – Mar. 9
Tuesdays: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Jan. 20 – Mar. 10 (Online)
Mar. 31 – May 19 (In-Person)
Wednesdays: Buddhist Studies
Jan. 21 – Mar. 11​​​​​​
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Retreats
Rohatsu Sesshin at Compassionate Ocean
Monday, Dec. 1 – Monday, Dec. 8
(Partial participation options are available)
Retreats at Compassionate Ocean
Friday, Jan. 23 – Sunday, Jan. 25
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Special Events
Open Houses: Open Casket Weekend
Nov. 14, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Nov. 15, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Ongoing Courses
Buddhist Studies
Fall Topic: The Heart Sutra
Fall 2025
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This course is being 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
Rohatsu Sesshin at Compassionate Ocean
Monday, Dec. 1, 7:00 P.M. – Monday, Dec. 8, 12:00 P.M.​​
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Retreat at Compassionate Ocean
​​​​Friday, Jan. 23, 7:00 P.M. – Sunday, Jan. 25, 12:00 P.M.
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Retreat at Compassionate Ocean
​​​​Friday, Feb. 27, 7:00 P.M. – Sunday, Mar. 1, 12:00 P.M.​