May
20
5:00 PM17:00

DHARMA READING GROUP (zoom only)

We offer a weekly reading group on Wednesdays, at 5:00 pm. The texts will be original sutras and commentaries.

On Wednesday, June 3rd, this weekly group starts with reading the PLATFORM SUTRA. THE ZEN TEACHING OF HUINENG in the translation by Red Pine. If the participants wish, we will continue with Red Pine’s commentary.

Chinese wood cut of Ancestor Huineng

This class happens on zoom, and it is free of charge.

Please sign up by emailing me at info@mkzen.org

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May
24
10:30 AM10:30

JUKAI - Receiving the Precepts

Jukai: Also known as ‘lay ordination, or ‘bestowing the Precepts’, this ceremony is an initiation into the practice of the sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts for lay practitioners. During the ceremony, initiates receive the Precepts, a Rakusu (the Buddha’s robe in mini format, which they have sewn themselves) and a Dharma name from a lineage-holding Teacher.

Two of our sangha members, Cornelia Beilke and Peter July, will be receiving the 16 Bodhisattva Precepts during the morning program on Sunday, May 24, at 10:30 am.

Please join us for a reception afterwards in celebration of the newly ordained bodhisattvas!

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May
30
1:00 PM13:00

Watercolor Workshop

Watercolor for Meditation and Flow

In this guided exploration,  artist and designer Tai Kojro-Badziak  will introduce you to the basics of watercolor  materials and techniques, and guide you as you create artwork tapping into meditative flow.

Zero experience necessary!

 All painting materials provided. You may bring a sketchbook, pen and other painting supplies if you’d like.

Register here: forms.gle/SuiV4y8rgpPndeU38

Fee: $60.00, payable in advance by check, or online with the donate button on our website.

Tai Kojro-Badziak Artist Bio
www.tkb.studio

 Tai is an architect, interior designer, and intuitive painter whose work invites stillness and sanctuary. Her paintings and spaces are textured meditations—quiet landscapes shaped by time, memory, and the awe of the natural world. Each piece holds a depth that welcomes presence and offers calm to those seeking beauty beneath the noise.


For over five years, Tai has been guiding watercolor workshops that gently awaken creativity. Her accessible techniques inspire a grounded sense of peace, helping others connect to their own still point through art.

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Jun
1
to Jul 20

KOAN Study, by zoom only

  • Milwaukee Zen Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

ZEN (according to Bodhidharma) is a special transmission outside the scriptures,
not founded upon words and letters.
By pointing directly to one’s mind,
it lets one see into one’s true nature
and thus attain buddhahood.

Zen transmission happens at an intimate meeting of teacher and student, “warm hand to warm hand”.
Some of these meetings, especially during the Tang Dynasty in China, have been recorded and have come down to us in several collections as koans (public cases), with commentaries by great masters.

In the eight sessions of this class, we will study some of these texts. Students will be asked to reflect on them and write their own commentary.
Zazen is vital for this study, and a strong sitting practice is encouraged.

Koan Classics are:
The Book of Serenity, The Blue Cliff Record, The Gateless Gate, The True Dharma Eye (Zen Master Dogen’s Three Hundred Koans)
It is not necessary to own these, but please bring them to the class if you have them.

Registration: https://forms.gle/UVtS925caKcnoYdV7
Fee: $60.00, membership discount applies

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Jun
2
to Jun 23

INTRODUCTION to ZEN PRACTICE

  • Milwaukee Zen Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This class is designed for beginning students and those who would like to deepen their sitting practice.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be no zoom access. In-person only!

In four sessions, you will become familiar with Soto Zen forms and learn the basic technique of zazen. Attention to posture, breathing, bowing, sitting and walking meditation, as well as chanting instruction are part of the syllabus.

Sign up with this link: https://forms.gle/LLDQXXinuw33WFT86
Fee: 60.00
No prior experience is necessary.
Please wear comfortable clothes in subtle colors.

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Jun
21
9:30 AM09:30

SUMMER SOLSTICE Celebration

This year’s Summer Solstice Celebration will be part of our regular Sunday program.

After 35 minutes of zazen and 10 minutes of walking meditation, there will be the dharma talk with a special recognition of this auspicious day.
Anyone is invited to bring a poem or song or words for the season.
Tea and snack follow as usual.

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Aug
8
to Aug 15

Jewel Mirror Sesshin 2026

  • Milwaukee Zen Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Summer Sesshin at Hokyoji is a long tradition, and for several years Dokai Georgesen, Daigaku Rumme and Reirin Gumbel have been co-leading the Jewel Mirror Sesshin.

This year, we will be teaching from BENDOWA, Negotiating the Way, or The Endeavor of the Way, by Eihei Dogen Zenji. Zazen is practiced throughout the day, interspersed with services, dharma talks, oryoki-style meals, and a work practice each afternoon.

This is a cherished opportunity to cultivate an atmosphere of deep silence and introspection. We look forward to practicing with you.

Please sign up directly at https://hokyoji.org/event/jewel-mirror-sesshin-3/

Contact Reirin with any question at 414-399-3498

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May
16
7:00 AM07:00

HALF-DAY Sitting

Enjoy a morning free from the usual hustle and bustle and sit with us in serene stillness!
There will be periods of sitting meditation, walking meditation, bowing and chanting services and formal meal practice (oryoki).

We offer a vegetarian breakfast. Let us know if you have any dietary needs. Bring your own oryoki bowls or borrow some from us.

Fee: $20
Please register by email: info@mkzen.org

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May
3
11:30 AM11:30

ANNUAL MEETING 2026

ANNUAL MEETING
May 3, 2026, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
SCHEDULE

Mingling with light refreshments, tea and coffee

Greeting by the President - gratitude

Yearly Reports

President
Resident Priest
Membership Coordinator

Current housing situation

MKE City requirements (Kellett)
necessary repairs and improvements (Randy)

Discussion

Election of Officers to the Board
quorum? and proxy votes
Slate

good-bye to those stepping down
new candidates

Vote

Dear Sangha,

Everyone is invited to 
Milwaukee Zen Center’s Annual Meeting 2026 on Sunday, May 3rd,
after the morning program, at 11:30 am. 
We will have light refreshments with coffee and tea available.

We anticipate the bulk of the meeting to be an open discussion about the current state of the building and the situation with the City of Milwaukee. Please do all you can attend as it is important we as a sangha hear all views and have your questions answered. 

There will be the option of participating on zoom, but please try to attend in person.

In addition to the above, there will be yearly reports from the President, the Resident Priest, and the Membership Coordinator as well as informing you of several initiates MZC will be undertaking this year.

Supporting members will be voting for a slate of officers. Several of the current officers have concluded their terms and new ones are needed to join. We have several people who have expressed interest.  Let us know if you have any interest as well.

As we need a quorum to secure the vote, it is extremely important if a member is unable to attend either in person or Zoom to send their proxy vote to the president.

Bill Davidson, President

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May
2
7:00 AM07:00

One-Day Sesshin CANCELED

Join us for a peaceful day of silent sitting, walking meditation, a short dharma talk, moving meditation, chanting services and two formal meals, oryoki breakfast and lunch. Oryoki bowls can be borrowed.
The food is vegetarian, and you may contact Reirin with special needs.

In the afternoon, there will be soji, work practice. We will be working at several tasks in silence.

The day ends with one period of zazen and evening service.

Earlier Event: April 22

EARTH DAY Ceremony and River Walk

Later Event: May 4

DANCING with the BENEFACTORS



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May
1
7:45 AM07:45

FULL MOON Bodhisattva Ceremony

Every month, on the full moon morning, we renew our bodhisattva precepts in an ancient ceremony.
It is not necessary to have received the Buddhist precepts in order to join in this celebration, as these are universal values.

The full moon has a special meaning in Zen: As it is reflected in each dewdrop, so is buddhanature reflected in each of us.

This month, we will celebrate it on Friday, May 1st, after zazen at 7:45, in place of morning service.
The whole morning will be available on ZOOM.

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Apr
22
12:00 PM12:00

Interfaith EARTH DAY RIVER WALK

On Wednesday, April 26, all Interfaith groups are welcome to join us for a RIVER WALK in honor of Earth Day 2026,

We will meet at noon at the Stone Arch in the parking lot West of Urban Ecology Center in Riverside Park. After a short ceremony in honor of Earth Day we will set out for a for a slow hour-long walking meditation along the Milwaukee River.

Please bring a poem or song or dance to share.
Optionally you may bring a plastic bag for picking up trash (a pickup tool and/or gloves are advised).

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Apr
19
12:30 PM12:30

BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY Celebration

The Buddhist Peace Fellowship of Milwaukee
invites you to the annual

BUDDHA’s BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Sunday, April 19th 2026 12:30pm – 3:00pm

Hosted by
Tender Shoot of Joy Sangha
1945 N 2nd Street, Milwaukee 53212

12:30 pm Light potluck lunch
1:30 pm Ceremony
2:30 pm Birthday cake

You’re invited to bring a light veg or vegan nosh for the potluck.
Please plan on attending even if you’re unable to bring a dish to pass: your presence is welcome and encouraged.
Any questions, email tendershootofjoy@gmail.com

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Apr
18
7:00 AM07:00

HALF-DAY SITTING

Enjoy a morning free from the usual hustle and bustle and sit with us in serene stillness!
There will be periods of sitting meditation, walking meditation, bowing and chanting services and formal meal practice (oryoki)

We offer a vegetarian breakfast. Let us know if you have any dietary needs. Bring your own oryoki bowls or borrow some from us.

Fee: $20 for non-members; membership discount applies.
Please register by email: info@mkzen.org

Depending on the weather situation, we will add a voluntary work period in the afternoon. Weeds are growing fast, and we want to clean up the yard for the spring!

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Apr
13
to May 4

INTRODUCTION TO ZEN PRACTICE

  • Milwaukee Zen Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This class is designed for beginning students and those who would like to deepen their sitting practice.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be no zoom access. In-person only!

In four sessions, you will become familiar with Soto Zen forms and learn the basic technique of zazen. Attention to posture, breathing, bowing, sitting and walking meditation, as well as chanting instruction are part of the syllabus.

Sign up by email to info@mkzen.org
Fee: 60.00
No prior experience is necessary.
Please wear comfortable clothes in subtle colors.

View Event →
Apr
1
7:45 AM07:45

FULL MOON Bodhisattva Ceremony

Every month, on the full moon morning, we renew our bodhisattva precepts in an ancient ceremony.
It is not necessary to have received the Buddhist precepts in order to join in this celebration, as these are universal values.

The full moon has a special meaning in Zen: As it is reflected in each dewdrop, so is buddhanature reflected in each of us.

This month, we will celebrate it on Wednesday, April 1st, after zazen at 7:45, in place of morning service.
The whole morning will be available on ZOOM.

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Mar
29
3:00 PM15:00

MARITZA FRIENDS in Concert - Balkan Music

Named for a river in Bulgaria, MARITZA was born during a jam session among Pine Wilson and friends in 1998 in Decorah, Iowa. Pine’s love for Eastern European music and folk dance was the impetus for the band to take shape. Thanks to the enthusiastic and fun-filled tune ideas of many musicians over the years, MARITZA keeps the beat going!

I met the band at the 25th Anniversary of Ryumonji Monastery last October and was impressed with the musicality, instrumental skill and pure joy of the performance.

Please join us for the concert of music from Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Romania, Ukraine etc. in Milwaukee on March 29, at 3:00 pm

Meet Pine Wilson:

Pine’s love of Balkan music grew out of her 20-year experience with Eastern European folk dance. The soulful melodies and quirky asymmetric rhythms of the dance tunes inspired her to move from the horizontal keyboard of her piano background to the vertical keys, buttons, and bellows of the ethnic squeezebox. A musical sojourn in Bulgaria and Greece, and studies with an Albanian accordionist planted her firmly in the soil of Balkan traditional music where she has sprouted with a bouquet of colorful and dedicated players.
She will bring two of her talented crew along with her to Milwaukee.


Place:
Milwaukee Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
3224 N Gordon Place, Milwaukee

Suggested donation $30.00

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Mar
21
12:00 PM12:00

SPRING EQUINOX celebration

Celebrations of the year’s seasonal milestones is an important part of the Buddhist liturgy.

The Vernal Equinox marks the beginning of Spring in the Northern hemisphere, and from now on the days will be getting longer again.
As Buddhists, we are aware of our deep connection with all other creatures, and we joyfully take part in a ceremony of gratitude for the generous offerings that we are receiving all year around.

Please bring a poem or song to share in the special service on this auspicious day, as we reflect on the teachings of impermanence and interdependence.

The celebration will conclude with a potluck lunch. Please let us know your participation!

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Mar
21
7:00 AM07:00

HALF-DAY Sitting

Enjoy a morning free from the usual hustle and bustle and sit with us in serene stillness!
There will be periods of sitting meditation, walking meditation, bowing and chanting services and formal meal practice (oryoki).

We offer a vegetarian breakfast. Let us know if you have any dietary needs. Bring your own oryoki bowls or borrow some from us.

On March 21st we celebrate the Vernal Equinox, which will be the conclusion of today’s Half-Day Sitting. Please bring a seasonal poem or song and a dish to share at the following potluck lunch.

Fee: $20
Please register by email: info@mkzen.org

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Mar
7
7:00 AM07:00

ZAZENKAI - One-Day Sitting

Join us for a peaceful day of silent sitting, walking meditation, a short dharma talk, moving and/or outdoor walking meditation, chanting services and two formal meals.

There will be time for dokusan. Please sign up.

This event will also be on zoom
Use the same link as usual by clicking on the button on the website.

We will have formal oryoki breakfast and lunch. Oryoki bowls can be borrowed.
The food is vegetarian, and you may contact me with special needs.

Please register by sending an email to info@mkzen.org.
Fee: $30.00 for non-members

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Mar
3
7:40 AM07:40

FULL MOON Bodhisattva Ceremony

Every month, on the full moon morning, we renew our bodhisattva precepts in an ancient ceremony.
It is not necessary to have received the Buddhist precepts in order to join in this celebration, as these are universal values.

The full moon has a special meaning in Zen: As it is reflected in each dewdrop, so is buddhanature reflected in each of us.

This month, we will celebrate it on Tuesday, March 3rd, after zazen at 7:40, in place of morning service.
The whole morning will be available on ZOOM.

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Feb
21
7:00 AM07:00

HALF - DAY Sitting - CANCELED

Sorry about the cancelation!
We will have our usual Saturday morning zazen, service and soji.

Enjoy a morning free from the usual hustle and bustle and sit with us in serene stillness!
There will be periods of sitting meditation, walking meditation, bowing and chanting services and formal meal practice (oryoki).

We offer a vegetarian breakfast. Let us know if you have any dietary needs. Bring your own oryoki bowls or borrow some from us.

Fee: $20
Please register by email: info@mkzen.org

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Feb
15
10:30 AM10:30

Buddha's Parinirvana

February 15 is the traditional date for the commemoration of Shakyamuni Buddha’s death and his passing into Parinirvana. It is a solemn ceremony with offerings, a reading, chanting and circumambulation of the altar. It will take place during the Sunday Program, part of the Dharma Talk.

As usual, the whole morning is available on zoom. Please join us for this beautiful and meaningful ceremony!

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Feb
7
7:00 AM07:00

ZAZENKAI - One-Day Sesshin

Join us for a peaceful day of silent sitting, walking meditation, a short dharma talk, moving and/or outdoor walking meditation, chanting services and two formal meals.

There will be time for dokusan. Please sign up.

This event will also be on zoom
Use the same link as usual by clicking on the button on the website.

We will have formal oryoki breakfast and lunch. Oryoki bowls can be borrowed.
The food is vegetarian, and you may contact me with special needs.

Please register by sending an email to info@mkzen.org.

Fee for non-members is $30, and membership discounts apply.

View Event →
Feb
2
7:45 AM07:45

FULL MOON Bodhisattva Ceremony

Every month, on the full moon morning, we renew our bodhisattva precepts in an ancient ceremony.
It is not necessary to have received the Buddhist precepts in order to join in this celebration, as these are universal values.

Photo by Tim Keane Photography, December 2022

The full moon has a special meaning in Zen: As it is reflected in each dewdrop, so is buddhanature reflected in each of us.

This month, we will celebrate it on Monday, February 2nd, after zazen at 7:45, in place of morning service.
The whole morning will be available on ZOOM.

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Jan
19
to Mar 9

Actualizing the Fundamental Point - Dogen's GENJOKOAN

  • Milwaukee Zen Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Eight weeks of study will bring Eihei Dogen’s seminal fascicle Genjokoan closer to our own situation. Written in 1233, probably as a letter to a lay practitioner, it deals with the practicality of living in this world.

Shohaku Okumura says that gen means “to appear”, “to show up”, “to be in the present moment”, while jo means “to become”, “to complete”, or “to accomplish”. The combined word genjō therefore means "to manifest," "to actualize," or "to appear and become”.

I decided to use Shohaku Okumura’s book: REALIZING GENJOKOAN. The Key to Dogen’s Shobogenzo as guiding text.

The class will be by zoom only.
Fee: $60.00, membership discount applies

Please sign up by email to info@mkzen.org in order to receive the zoom code.

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Jan
17
7:00 AM07:00

HALF-DAY Sitting

Enjoy a morning free from the usual hustle and bustle and sit with us in serene stillness!
There will be periods of sitting meditation, walking meditation, bowing and chanting services and formal meal practice (oryoki).

We offer a vegetarian breakfast. Let us know if you have any dietary needs. Bring your own oryoki bowls or borrow some from us.

Fee: $20
Please register by email: info@mkzen.org

View Event →
Jan
3
7:45 AM07:45

FULL MOON Bodhisattva Ceremony

Every month, on the full moon morning, we renew our bodhisattva precepts in an ancient ceremony.
It is not necessary to have received the Buddhist precepts in order to join in this celebration, as these are universal values.

Photo by Tim Keane Photography, December 2022

The full moon has a special meaning in Zen: As it is reflected in each dewdrop, so is buddhanature reflected in each of us.

This month, we will celebrate it on Saturday, January 3rd, after zazen at 7:45, in place of morning service.
The whole morning will be available on ZOOM.

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Jan
1
10:00 AM10:00

New Year's Peace Gathering and Potluck

Every year, the various Buddhist sanghas meet for a New Year’s Peace Gathering. This year we will celebrate at the Mindfulness Community on Park Place.

We traditionally share readings from Buddhist teachings, poems and songs. Please bring your own offering and also a dish for the following potluck!

It has been a tradition to bring new warm socks for people who live outside.

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Dec
31
to Jan 1

NEW YEAR's EVE Sitting

  • Milwaukee Zen Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Everyone is invited to our traditional New Year’s Sitting with alternate periods of zazen and walking meditation from 8:00 pm until midnight. In this last night of the year, let us reflect on the past 12 months, and consider our intentions for the future.

At around 9:30 pm there will be a break for a snack of Japanese noodles.
At 11:45 pm the bell will be struck 108 times by the attendees.

Afterwards everybody is invited to write on a piece of paper what they would like to let go of, and these items will be offered in a fire ceremony at the end.

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Dec
21
10:15 AM10:15

Winter Solstice Celebration

Nature’s great cycle is celebrated in Buddhist practice with acknowledgement of impermanence and change, and also the wisdom that lies behind our experience. We are aware that our inner light shines bright with wonder, awe, and gratitude for the life that we have been given and that we share with the universe.

As we celebrate the Winter Solstice, we recognize darkness as a necessary part of the yearly renewal, and we know that this darkness is not absolute: in the dark there is light, even if we don’t see it as light.
At this time, we value our intimate relationship with friends and family and gather to share meals and stories.

On Sunday, December 21, 2025, the actual time of the solstice happens at 9:03. At the end of the Dharma talk will honor Buddha, Dharma and Sangha with traditional offerings and words for the season, recite Chan Master Shitou’s poem Harmony of Difference and Equality and enjoy a potluck together.

Please bring a poem or song and a lunch item to share!

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Dec
20
7:00 AM07:00

HALF-DAY Sitting

Enjoy a morning free from the usual hustle and bustle and sit with us in serene stillness!
There will be periods of sitting meditation, walking meditation, bowing and chanting services and formal meal practice (oryoki)

We offer a vegetarian breakfast. Let us know if you have any dietary needs. Bring your own oryoki bowls or borrow some from us.

Fee: $20
Please register by email: info@mkzen.org

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Dec
8
5:30 PM17:30

Enlightenment (Rohatsu) Ceremony and Celebration

ROHATSU CEREMONY and CELEBRATION
Monday, December 8, 5:30 pm

On December 8, Bodhi Day (Rohatsu in Japanese), Buddhists commemorate Shakyamuni's Enlightenment. In our tradition, we celebrate this event, which marks also our own awakening, with lively chanting and circumambulation of the altar, while flower petals rain from the sky. 

Please bring a dish to share for the following potluck!

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Dec
1
to Dec 7

ROHATSU SESSHIN

  • Milwaukee Zen Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

ROHATSU SESSHIN

at Hokyoji
December 1 @ 3:00 pm – December 7 @ 12:00 pm CST

The Milwaukee Zen Center zendo will be closed during that time.

In the Zen tradition, .Rohatsu Sesshin echoes the Buddha's sitting under the Bodhi Tree and is celebrated annually during the first week of December. Each day begins before dawn and is a continuous practice of meditation throughout the day while sitting, walking, standing and lying down. (There will also be a short work period.)

This year, the Rohatsu Sesshin will be co-led by Hokyoji's Associate Teachers Rev. Onryu "GD" Kennedy and Rev. Keidō Jeromy Thotland.

The theme is Jumping Off the Hundred Foot Pole
Sign up directly at https://hokyoji.org/event/rohatsu-sesshin-2/

Sangha members from Milwaukee Zen Center will carpool. Please let us know that you want to go to Hokyoji.

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Nov
15
7:00 AM07:00

HALF DAY Sitting

Enjoy a morning free from the usual hustle and bustle and sit with us in serene stillness!
There will be periods of sitting meditation, walking meditation, bowing and chanting services and formal meal practice (oryoki)

We offer a vegetarian breakfast. Let us know if you have any dietary needs. Bring your own oryoki bowls or borrow some from us.

Fee: $20
Please register by email: info@mkzen.org

View Event →
Nov
5
7:40 AM07:40

FULL MOON Bodhisattva Ceremony

Every month, on the full moon morning, we renew our bodhisattva precepts in an ancient ceremony:
this month, on Wednesday, November 5, at 7:40 am, in the place of morning service, after zazen.
The whole morning will be available on ZOOM. Please use the code on the homepage,

The full moon has a special meaning in Zen: As it is reflected in each dewdrop, so is buddha-nature reflected in each of us.

View Event →