What if I am not a Buddhist and/or have never meditated before?

All are welcome at Clouds in Water. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming, warm space. On Sunday mornings, we offer an intro to meditation from 8:30 - 8:50 before our 9:00 am service. This is a great way to get oriented. We also have a Getting Started in Zen two-hour workshop that happens regularly, plus lots of classes and opportunities to learn more. We’ll meet you where you’re at!

How accessible is your facility?

We believe all bodies that want to meditate can meditate. We have traditional cushions, comfortable chairs, and practitioners are even invited to lay down if they wish. For hearing-impaired folks, we have you covered, as well. We have handicap parking, a ramp, and no stairs inside. All our bathrooms are gender-neutral.

Is your programming free?

Yes! No one is turned away for lack of funds.

We encourage donating for your visit at an amount that feels good for you. If you are not able to give at this time, you are still welcome! We rely on the generosity of our donors and are almost fully funded through donations. We work on a transparent giving model and most programming also offers sliding scale.

I’m part of the LGBTQ+ community: is this a safe space for me?

Absolutely. Many of our practitioners and priests identify as queer, non-binary, and trans. We have a statement on non-harming and pronouns practice that we take very seriously. If you have any concerns or would like to speak with a queer member of our sangha before visiting, please email us at info@cloudsinwater.org. Keep an eye on our Queer Community page, as well, for upcoming events.

I’m a BIPOC practitioner. Do you have any programming that is BIPOC-focused?

We have a thriving BIPOC sangha that is just for BIPOC folks who wish to be in community together and have a space free of code-switching and masking. Many of our BIPOC members also attend wider sangha events - you do you!

Are you a non-profit?

Yes! We are a religious 501 (c)3 and all donations are tax-deductible.

I’m a little intimidated by Zen because of all the forms - bowing and chanting. Is Clouds for me?

You’re in good company. We honor our Soto Zen Buddhist lineage that was brought to us by our Japanese ancestors, but we also recognize that we are practicing in the United States in the twenty-first century. This is a fun line to walk! We offer an intro orientation before our Sunday morning sessions and our greeters are always available to answer questions before and after services. We are a relaxed sangha - come as you are!

Zen practice looks different for everyone, so we have practice groups, volunteer opportunities, and offer support in formal paths of Zen practice, as well. You can also meet with one of our teachers for guidance.

Email info@cloudsinwater.org if you’d like to know more.