Arcata Zen Group

Rinshin-ji ~ Forest Heart Temple

GETTING STARTED

WELCOME

We practice in the Soto Zen tradition of Buddhism. Our purpose is to provide a place for seated meditation, or zazen, and the study of the Buddha’s teachings. We emphasize applying our practice to everyday life, with a focus on social and environmental justice. We work to assure that all people who come to practice here are seen and heard, respected and included. Our offerings include a daily meditation schedule, classes and other events. We look forward to meeting you.

Teacher Search Survey

Now available online and as a paper version.
Please complete the survey by June 23.

The Teacher Search Committee created a brief survey to provide you with the opportunity to inform the process of finding a new teacher as Gene approaches retirement. Sangha perspective is essential to ensuring the success of this search. To take the survey online, look for the link in the AZG Bulletin Board email in your inbox. A paper version of the survey is available in the zendo foyer. Participation in the survey is anonymous and confidential. The committee will offer additional opportunities to provide input. Look for announcements in the coming weeks.

Please complete the survey by June 23.

Upcoming Events

Bodhisattva Ceremony

Friday June 27, 5:45pm

All-Sangha Work Period

Saturday June 28, 12:30-3:00pm

Orientation to Zen Practice

Saturday June 28, 3-4pm

Dharma Talk - Rev Eugene Bush

Sunday June 29, 9:45am

Orientation to Zen Practice

Monday June 30, 4:30-5:15pm

Informal Group Discussion

Monday June 30, 6:30pm

Sangha Hike to Lyons Ranch

Saturday July 5, 8am - Noon

Dharma Talk - Rev Eugene Bush

Sunday July 6, 9:45am

Sangha Potluck

Sunday July 6, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Book Reading & Discussion

Sunday July 13, 9:45am

Dharma Talk - Rev Kathie Fischer

Sunday July 20, 9:45am

Sangha Potluck

Sunday July 20, 10:30am - 12:30pm

All-Sangha Work Period

Saturday July 26, 12:30-3:00pm

Zazenkai

Friday August 1, 5:45pm - 8:30pm
Saturday August 2, 7:30am - 4pm

Sangha News

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Sangha News

Teacher Search Sangha Survey - Deadline Extended

We are extending the deadline of the teacher search survey. Please complete the survey by June 23, 2025.

Registration Open for August 1-2 Zazenkai

Registration is now open for zazenkai on August 1 & 2.

Invitation to Join AZG’s Practice Committee

Would you like to be in on the process of making choices about the AZG program?

New Practice Offering - Working Class Affinity Group

PC is hearing a request for AZG to offer an affinity group for working class people. What does that mean?

Jukai: FAQ from Brooklyn Zen Center

We are currently organizing a jukai ceremony for October 2025. For those who are unfamiliar or who would like to learn more about this ceremony and the preparation that goes into it, please read the following information presented by Ryan Lee Wong of Brooklyn Zen Center.

Practice Opportunity: Now Offering Orientations to Zen on Saturdays

We are adding an Orientation session on one Saturday afternoon each month….

Branching Streams Practice Opportunity: Zen and Neurodiversity

Saturday June 21, 1-3pm
An online offering through San Francisco Zen Center exploring the questions - How can Zen practice be made more inclusive and supportive for neurodivergent individuals? What are the distinct contributions to Zen that neurodivergent people make? How can those who are not neurodivergent better understand and offer meaningful support?

Trillium Falls Hike

A group of AZG hikers were lucky enough to still see trilliums on their walk to Trillium Falls earlier this month.

New AZG Program: Sunday Evening Zazen at 4pm

Weekly on Sundays at 4pm

Community Practice Opportunity - Insight Meditation with Paloma Cain

Paloma Cain, a certified Insight Meditation teacher, will be offering a weekly meditation and service in the zendo….

Practice Opportunity - Book Group via Zoom

Monthly Zoom Book Discussion of “Inherited Silence: Listening to the Land, Healing the Colonizer Mind” by Louise Dunlap

AZG Library Update

The library is open on Mondays from 4:30pm-5:30pm, staffed by someone from the library team who can help with questions and orient you to our filing system….

AZG Sangha Week at Green Gulch Farm Zen Center September 26-29, 2025

Contact Beverly directly or here with any questions or to reserve your spot.

Way Seeking Mind Talk - Green Gulch Sangha Week

We had a lovely time gathering after zazen on Tuesday evening to share tea and cookies and hear from our sangha members who participated in AZG’s sangha week at Green Gulch Farm Zen Center last fall….

2025 AZG Member / Friend Forms Open

AZG Member / Friend Form for 2025 is now active.

Way Seeking Mind Talks in 2025

Beginning in January we will be including in our schedule Way Seeking Mind Talks offered by members of our community…

Moon Ceremonies in 2025

An Invitation from Gene

Let’s Keep Each Other Safe & Healthy

Let's keep each other safe and healthy! If you have symptoms of cold, flu or COVID, please stay home and participate via zoom.

If you are COVID-negative but coughing, sneezing, or managing sniffles, please wear a mask indoors.

Invitation to Zendo Roles

Practice Committee is keenly aware of how much effort it takes to continue to provide a full schedule. We invite all who participate to learn one or more roles to keep the zendo open.

Call for Submissions - AZG Newsletter

We would like our newsletter to reflect more of the flavor of what it’s like to practice with us here at Arcata Zen Group and would like your help!