Welcome
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 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.
​​​Meditation
Sunday Meditation & Dharma Talk
Sundays, 9:00–11:15 a.m.
Weekday Morning Meditation
Monday–Friday, 7:00–8:00 a.m.
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Sesshin (Retreats)
Fall Sesshin at Compassionate Ocean
Friday, Nov. 1–Sunday, Nov. 3
Rohatsu Sesshin at Compassionate Ocean
Sunday, Dec. 1–Sunday, Dec. 8​
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Special Events
Open House - Open Casket Weekend
Nov. 8, 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Nov. 9, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Welcome Session for New People
Nov. 10, 9:00–11:15 a.m.
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Classes
Mondays: Introduction to Zen Practice Mini-Course
Fall: Oct. 7 – Oct. 14 (Registration Closed)
Tuesdays: Introduction to Mindfulness (MBSR)
Fall: Oct. 1 – Nov. 19 (Registration Closed)
Wednesdays: Buddhist Studies
Fall: Oct. 2 – Nov. 20 (Registration Closed)
Happenings
Upcoming Courses
Buddhist Studies
Winter Topic: TBA
Winter 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, Jan. 22 – Mar. 12
7:00–9:00 P.M.
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Classes consist of zazen (sitting meditation), instructor presentation & discussion.
Other Practice Opportunities
Sesshins (Retreats)
In-Person
​​​​Sesshin at Compassionate Ocean
Friday, Nov. 1, 7:00 P.M.–Sunday, Nov. 3, 12:00 P.M.