Welcome
Clouds in Water is a vibrant and inclusive community in the Soto Zen Buddhist tradition, with a mission to awaken the heart of great wisdom and compassion.
Founded in 1994, we regularly offer meditation, classes, and retreats. We are located in the historic Rondo neighborhood of St. Paul, and everywhere via Zoom. We welcome people of all backgrounds and faiths.
No early morning, Noon or Wed evening zazen July 12 - 19. We will see you Sunday morning!
“Clouds in Water has been so impactful to my sense of well being and community. The kindness and understanding of all the folks there lets me feel at home no matter how Iโm doing.
I also love the ability to study and practice with so many queer, trans, neurodivergent, and BIPOC folks. Iโm so glad to have found this place!”
“Being recently ordained as a novice priest affirmed what I already knew in my heart: that Clouds in Water is my spiritual home and it is where teachers like Sลsan and many dharma friends have supported my spiritual growth. People here are honest, humble and committed to social justice, which is one very important form of truth. ”
Meditation
Zazen (meditation) is at the heart of our practice. We have offerings throughout the week in person and on zoom. We also offer sesshins (retreats) throughout the year, at Clouds in Water and at Ryumonji Zen Monastery and Hokyoji Zen Practice Community.
All levels of experience are welcome!
Study
There is always a class, workshop, or practice group happening at Clouds! In addition to our Fall and Spring practice periods, we offer classes on anything from karma to the precepts to embodied social justice.
Community
Our sangha - community - is made up of a diverse groups of folks from all over the Twin Cities (and the country, via Zoom). We gather together every Sunday and have many opportunities to connect through our classes, practice groups, and sesshins (retreats).
Grow their compassion
and wisdom
Our Youth and Family Practice Program offers programming for all ages, from birth through teens, along with support for parents. We emphasize mindfulness, compassion, and practical Buddhist teachings to help navigate life at all ages and stages.
Zen For Everyone
Clouds in Water seeks to support you where youโre at. We have Friday Night Zen for young(ish) folks, a thriving BIPOC sangha, 12-Step Mindfulness, Racial Awareness Groups, and opportunities for engaged Buddhism through our Bridge Social Justice and Community Care Action Group.
Some of us sit on cushions, some of us lie on yoga mats. Some folks love traditional chanting in formal services and others prefer connecting casually in affinity groups.
There are some members who have taken formal Buddhist vows, and many who have not. Whether youโre looking for a bit of refuge or a robust spiritual practice, Clouds can support you.
Whatever your circumstances and interests, you can sit with us.
Social Justice and Engaged Buddhism
At Clouds in Water, we take our practice off the cushion and into the world.
At Clouds in Water we center social justice and encourage our sangha to consider engaged Buddhism as part of their practice.
From supporting our BIPOC members through the BIPOC sangha, Race, Love, and Liberation Lab, and fiscally sponsoring Deep Listening for Social Change to the in-the-trenches work of our Bridge Social Justice and Community Care and Racial Awareness Groups, we seek to truly cultivate the heart of deep wisdom and compassion for a more just world.
Member of the Soto Zen Buddhist Association
