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.
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.
The Center offers programs in Zen practice and study. We also offer the nationally-acclaimed Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program quarterly.
Happenings
Introduction to Mindfulness Courses (MBSR)
Summer: Tuesdays, Jun. 6 - Aug. 1 (6:30–9:00 P.M.)
Summer: Wednesdays, Jun. 7–Jul. 26 (7:00–9:00 P.M.)
Fall: Wednesdays, Sept. 20–Nov. 8 (7:00–9:00 P.M.)
Introduction to Zen Practice Mini-Course
Mondays, July 10 & 17 (7:00–9:00 P.M.)
Mondays, September 11 & 18 (7:00–9:00 P.M.)
Welcome Sessions for New People
Sunday, June 11 (9:00–11:15 A.M.)
Sunday, July 2 (9:00–11:15 A.M.)
Sunday Meditation & Dharma Talk
Sundays, 9:00–11:15 A.M.
Weekday Meditation
Mondays–Fridays, 7:00–8:00 A.M.
Thursdays, 7:30–9:00 P.M. (June and July)
Friday, June 23–Sunday, June 25
Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 23 (Ryumonji)
Seven-day Practice Period at Hokyoji
Monday, Aug. 28–Monday, Sept. 4
Administrative Director Position Opening
Compassionate Ocean is currently seeking a half-time Administrative Director. Anyone interested should contact the Center for more information.
We are open for in-person activities.
Many activities will continue to be offered by Zoom as well.
Everyone is welcome to attend Sunday and Weekday gatherings. Pre-registration is required for courses and sesshins.
Guidelines for attending in-person sessions:
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Masking is optional. KN95 masks are available at the Center.
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We encourage everyone attending in-person gatherings to be fully vaccinated, including booster shots as recommended by the CDC.
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Please do not visit if you are feeling ill.
Your cooperation with these guidelines is greatly appreciated.
Current Courses
Upcoming Courses
Buddhist Studies
Fall 2023
This course will be held in-person at the Center, with an option for remote participation via Zoom if requested.
Wednesdays, Sept. 20–Nov. 8
7:00–9:00 P.M.
Ongoing Programs
Sesshin (Retreats)
Summer 2023
Friday, June 23, 7:00 P.M.–Sunday, June 25, 11:15 A.M.
at Compassionate Ocean Zen Center
Friday, July 21, 5:30 P.M.–Sunday, July 23, 1:00 P.M.
at Ryumonji Zen Monastery in Northern Iowa
Monday, Aug. 28, 5:00 P.M.–Monday, Sept. 4, 2:00 P.M.
at Hokyoji Zen Practice Community in Southeast Minnesota
