The purpose of the Arcata Zen Group is to provide opportunities for the study and practice of Soto Zen Buddhism. Our emphasis is to integrate spiritual practice and daily life. You are welcome to join as a Member or Friend, but neither is required to participate in sangha activities. If you find you are meditating and attending programs regularly, we encourage you to consider becoming a member.
Members and Friends of AZG
Both Members and Friends may fill roles at AZG to help support the Temple at 740 Park Ave. Library book borrowing is open to all membership levels during designated library hours. Both Members and Friends will receive an invitation when one on one private conversation appointments become available with the head teacher.
Members can participate in community decision-making. Voting Members are also eligible after two years to occupy a seat on the board of directors, practice committee, or ways and means committee. AZG encourages each member to pledge financial support, but this is not a requirement. Being a member allows the most immersive experience at Arcata Zen Group.
Friends are not eligible to vote or serve on the board of directors, practice committee, or ways and means committee. Please consider becoming a member so you can help support AZG in the most impactful way to sustain the Temple 740 Park Ave. AZG encourages each Friend to pledge financial support, but this is not a requirement. Any person may become a member at any time, if you choose to begin as a Friend.
A person continues their membership status by filling out and submitting a form annually. Upon submission a person shall be a Member/Friend for a period ending on the 31st of December, 2025. Paper sign up forms are available at 740 Park Ave in Arcata.
If you need assistance, please contact us by emailing info@arcatazengroup.org or calling 707-826-1701.
Receiving Announcements and Sustaining Programming in 2025
Members and Friends receive meeting minutes and contact list updates via our private AZG Bulletin Board via google groups. Registered members will also be placed in a AZG members google group to support member-only online voting. Becoming a Member or Friend acknowledges your permission to be put on these private mailing lists.
The newsletter is the main place AZG posts community announcements. Please consider signing up for the newsletter from the bottom of any page on our website if you would like to receive community announcements in your inbox. You may also view the community announcements without joining the mailing list by visiting our home page.
For Forest Heart Temple to continue in a sustainable way, each person is encouraged to provide financial support or volunteer time. This generosity is not required but is greatly needed to sustain Soto Zen Buddhism in Arcata, CA. A significant part of AZG programming is also offered online via zoom for those at distance. We are all responsible for maintaining a safe, and comfortable environment at Forest Heart Temple.
The entire community is what makes Arcata Zen Group possible at Forest Heart Temple. If you find AZG meaningful to your life, please consider some way to contribute to helping support Forest Heart Temple into the future.