The Bay Zen Center will be closed starting Tuesday, November 22 through Sunday, November 27 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Our regular schedule will resume Monday, November 28.
Please refer to our calendar for a detailed schedule.
2012 Sesshin Schedule & Application Now Available
Posted November 13, 2011
Our 2012 sesshins (meditation retreats) are scheduled on the following dates:
- February 28-March 4 (5 days)
- July 24-29 (5 days)
- November 13-18 (5 days)
European Sesshin Dates are:
- Rome, Italy April 11-15 (5 days)
Complete details along with the application can be found on our Sesshin Page.
The Bay Zen Center will be closed Nov 9 – 13 for Sesshin
Posted November 6, 2011
Please note the center will be closed for sesshin (meditation retreat) from Wednesday Nov 9 through Sunday, Nov 13.
Those registered for the Way of the Bodhisattva class and not attending sesshin may come to the center for the final class on Saturday November 12. You may enter the center at 10:45 AM. Please maintain the silence.
Our regular schedule will resume on Monday November 14. Refer to our calendar for the most updated schedule.
A Baby Welcoming Ceremony at BZC
Posted October 23, 2011
Written by Elanne Kresser, BZC Member and new Mom
Welcoming Baby Sylvie Hummingbird into the Sangha
We recently had a baby welcoming ceremony at BZC to welcome our 10 week old daughter Sylvie into the dharma. One of the things that has stuck with me the most from what Diane said during the ceremony is that Sylvie is on a path that started long ago. As her mother I feel relief when I remember this. It is a reminder that Sylvie’s path is her own, born of many conditions that started long before her birth. Her father and I are a big part of the conditions on her path, but it’s not all up to us.
There are many other conditions and forces both seen and unseen that will shape who she is and how her life reveals itself. Inseparable from welcoming Sylvie into the dharma is welcoming my husband Chris and me into the dharma of parenting.
Parenting is a most difficult practice – having a baby is like having a Zen master in the house! My tendency to worry and fret has blossomed after giving birth to her.
“What if” can be a chronic thinking pattern when it comes to all the dangers my child might meet in her life and all the ways I might fall short as a parent. When I am reminded that Sylvie has her own path in life I recognize that it is my practice to simply do my best to support her and continue to learn to trust life’s unfolding.
Diane gave Sylvie the dharma name Hummingbird, which is also one of the middle names we gave to Sylvie. Diane told a story of the hummingbird who does her best to put out a forest fire that was endangering the lives of many animals. She did it drop by little drop of water — all that she could carry in her tiny bill.
This is a beautiful image of practice that I hold as a parent and that I hope Sylvie will learn from.
The Way of the Bodhisattva Class
Posted September 25, 2011
Diane Eshin Rizzetto, Teacher
5 Saturdays, 11am – 1pm
October 15 – November 12, 2011
Please Join Us
Although written as early as the eighth-century by the Indian sage, Shantideva, the Way of the Bodhisattva is remarkably relevant for our 21st century. This treasured teaching offers guidance for cultivating courage, caring and joy—all keys for healing ourselves and our troubled world.
Basing our discussions on Pema Chodron’s text, No Time to Lose; A Timely Guide to the Way of the Bodhisattva, the format of the class will be a seminar whereby we explore in a meaningful way the verses of this profoundly rich teaching.
The class is open to everyone. No meditation experience is required. People living further than a 2 hour driving distance from the Bay Zen Center may participate via teleconferencing.
Cost: $120 non-members; $60 members
Please complete the registration form and mail with your check to the Bay Zen Center. Please write “Bodhisattva Way Class” on the envelope.
Registration deadline is October 8th. Apply early since space is limited.
A Zen Practice for Meeting Every Situation with Intelligence and Compassion 
Beginner Instruction is offered by appointment every Wednesday evening at 6:00 PM when we are not in retreat or closed. Please call ahead at 510-596-3087 and leave your name and telephone number. Your call will be returned to set up an appointment.
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