Classes, Workshops, Retreats,
and More
No one is turned away for lack of funds. We REALLY want you to take advantage of our programs!
From Sosan, our Guiding Teacher:
Some people have told us that they don't attend as many classes as they'd like because they can't afford to pay the full asking price (the price we say covers teacher payments and Clouds admin/staffing). If you are such a person, please know this: your attendance at any of our programs is a huge benefit in and of itself. All the teachers give the dharma freely. It doesn't save Clouds any money in admin and staffing if you don't attend. If you decide not to attend, then we lose your valuable input, and your fellow Sangha members lose the opportunity to practice with you. Attitudes like "I don't deserve to attend if I can't pay full price" come from a mindset of separation and scarcity. This is not the Buddha Way.
So, what is the Buddha Way with regard to giving? Giving and receiving have to do with realizing that we are not separate. That we cannot exist on our own.
Thank you for the generous gift of your presence and supporting our practice with your own!
Please note that processing fees for EFT payments are lower than credit card fees. You can elect to cover fees as part of your donation. Many thanks!
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Getting Started in Zen
Various Dates
7 pm -9 pmIn this 2-hour workshop, you receive all the tools you need to get started on your personal journey in Zen practice.
Instruction will be given in zazen meditation, basic Buddhist philosophy, developing a home practice, as well as practicing as part of a community.
There will be plenty of time for questions and conversation!
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Spring Practice Period
Opening: Sunday, February 16th, 9 am - 10:30 am
Closing: Saturday, April 26th
7:30 - 9:00 pm
Sosan Theresa Flynn and
Jinzu Minna JainA Practice Period, or ango (安居), is a traditional Japanese term for a three-month period of intensified training for students of Zen Buddhism. This spring, our theme is “Living Zen, Living Liberation.” What is Zen Buddhism, actually? How is it the same and different from mindfulness or other forms of Buddhism we might be familiar with? Most importantly, can Zen really be practical and useful in our daily lives, communities, and liberation movements? Can it offer us a well of ease, wonder and awe to dip from so we don’t burn the heck out? (Yes!)
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River of Joy Zazenkai
Saturday, March 1st,
9 am - 4:30pm
with Koji AcquavivaThis traditional yet relaxed daylong sitting includes meditation instruction, a full schedule of silent zen meditation with breaks every 25 minutes to keep the body and mind fresh, a silent lunch, a Dharma talk, and a question and answer period.
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Living Zen, Living Liberation
Tuesdays, March 4th -
April 15th
6:30 - 8:00 pm
Sosan Theresa Flynn and
Jinzu Minna Jain
In Person and on ZoomWhether you are a seasoned Zen Buddhist practitioner or newly curious, this class is an opportunity to clarify and deepen your understanding of Zen (specifically Sōtō* Zen), and to find what lights you up and wakes you up within the teachings.
We'll dive into historical and cultural context and define core teachings and practices, exploring how–and if–they’re relevant to us today.
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March Half-Day Sit
Saturday, March 8th
8:30 am - 12 pm
with Koji AcquavivaCome and experience a half-day of deep quiet. This half-day sitting will allow you to deeply touch silence and stillness while being supported by others. We'll have four 30 minute sitting periods, with walking meditation and breaks in-between. We will also chant our formal morning service, and end by chanting Dogen's Eternal Peace Inspirational Vow.
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Peaceful Dwelling - Retreat at Pacem in Terris
Friday, April 11, 4 pm -
Sunday, April 13, 12 pm
With Sosan Theresa Flynn
Pacem in Terris Hermitage Retreat Center
26399 State Hwy 47, Isanti, MN 55040Pacem in Terris offers a beautiful, quiet, solitary retreat experience to individuals of all faiths. Guiding Teacher Sosan Flynn has engaged in regular solitary retreats there for the past few years and would like to share this practice with Clouds in Water Sangha members and leaders.
Registration Deadline: March 15.
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12 Step and Mindfulness Retreat
Saturday, May 3,
9 am - 5 pm
With a talk from Ben ConnellyLet's take a day together to focus on recovery, on freedom from suffering, on bringing compassionate awareness to our lives. This is an opportunity for calm and insight. This retreat will include many opportunities for developing mindfulness and recovery: including teachings, meditation, movement, dialogue, and 12 step reflection.
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Zen Women Ancestors
Saturday, May 31, 9 am - Noon
With Sosan Theresa FlynnIn this workshop, we'll learn about our wonderful women teachers and see how their stories relate to our own lives. We'll learn and practice the "Chant of the Great Matriarchs" and the "Hymn to Prajnaparamita." This workshop is open to all genders and we especially encourage men to attend!