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
Sunday Meditation & Dharma Talk
Sundays, 9:00–11:15 a.m.
Weekday Morning Meditation
Monday–Friday, 7:00–8:00 a.m.
Welcome Session for New People
Sunday, June 1, 9:00–11:15 a.m.
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Classes
Mondays: Introduction to Zen Practice Mini-Course
Summer: July 7 – July 14
Tuesdays: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Spring: Apr. 1 – May 20 (Registration Closed)
Summer: June 10 – July 29
Wednesdays: Buddhist Studies
Spring: Apr. 2 – May 21 (Registration Closed)
Summer: June 11 – July 30
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Retreats
Retreats at Compassionate Ocean
Friday, June 6 – Sunday, June 8
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Special Events
Art-A-Whirl Open House
Friday, May 16, 5:00–10:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 17, 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 18, 12:00–5:00 p.m.
Flowing like a River - An Evening of Poetry & Music at Compassionate Ocean
June 20, 6:30–9:00 p.m.
The Zen of Oz: Presentation, Film Screening & Reception at the Heights Theater
Aug. 3, 1:00–4:30 p.m.
Upcoming Courses
Buddhist Studies
Summer Topic: Engaging with Aging
Summer 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, June 11 – July 30
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
​​​​Retreats at Compassionate Ocean
​​​​Friday, Jun. 6, 7:00 P.M.–Sunday, Jun. 8, 12:00 P.M.​
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Retreat at Ryumonji Monastery
Friday, July 18, 7:00 P.M.–Sunday, July 20, 12:00 P.M.
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Practice Period at Hokyoji Temple
Monday, Aug. 25, 7:00 P.M.–Monday, Sep. 1, 12:00 P.M.