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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Compassionate Ocean Zen Center is named after Jikai Dainin Katagiri Roshi, the root teacher of Joen and Michael Genpo 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
Introduction to Zen Practice Mini-Course
Jan. 26 – Feb. 2
Mar. 2 – Mar. 9​​
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Jan. 20 – Mar. 10 (Via Zoom Only)​​
Buddhist Studies
Topic: Form & Emptiness
Jan. 21 – Mar. 11​​​​​​
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2026 Winter Retreats (Sesshin)
At Compassionate Ocean
Friday, Jan. 23 – Sunday, Jan. 25
Friday, Feb. 27 – Sunday, Mar. 1
Friday, Mar. 27 – Sunday, Mar. 29
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2026 Winter Special Events
Sangha Outing: Royal Bronzes - Cambodian Art of the Divine at MIA
Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 (Registration Required)
Winter Welcome Session for New People
Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026​
Haiku as a Spiritual Practice
Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 (Via Zoom Only)
Upcoming Courses
Buddhist Studies
Fall Topic: Form & Emptiness
Winter 2026
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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, Jan. 21 – Mar. 11
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 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.​
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Retreat at Compassionate Ocean
​​​​Friday, Mar. 27, 7:00 P.M. – Sunday, Mar. 29, 12:00 P.M.​