CLASSES & EVENTS

This is a listing of current and future events and classes at
Houston Zen Center that is updated regularly.

UPCOMING CLASSES & RETREATS

Classes at Houston Zen Center are taught by the Abbot, Gaelyn Godwin, and by senior members of HZC. There is a modest charge for classes but scholarships are readily available. No one is turned away for lack of funds. Send questions about scholarships or costs to the office.

Classes are open to everyone and are generally designed for all levels of practice experience from beginners to experienced meditators, unless otherwise specified in the class description.

Featured
Tea With Dōgen - 2025
Jun 1
class
Tea With Dōgen - 2025
class

One of the chapters in the classic Zen text by Dōgen Zenji is referenced each week during the Sunday dharma talk.

class
Introduction to Zen Meditation - In-Person Class Series
Jul 31
class
Introduction to Zen Meditation - In-Person Class Series
class

5 Thursdays: July 31 - August 28, 2025; 7-8:30 pm. A 5-class series on Zen meditation.

class
What Happens in Zazen
Aug 5
class
What Happens in Zazen
class

Series of 6 Tuesday classes. 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Taught by Sengetsu Tricia McFarlin.

class
Becoming Yourself, a new book of Suzuki Roshi's dharma teachings
Aug 17
event
Becoming Yourself, a new book of Suzuki Roshi's dharma teachings
event

Jiryu Rutschman, co-Abbot of San Francisco Zen Center, and co-editor of Becoming Yourself, a new book of Suzuki Roshi’s teachings. At Houston Zen Center on tour to present this important new book. Order the book here from the San Francisco Zen Center book store.

event
Politics from Center: Zen, Citizenship, and Staying Happy in Turbulent Times
Aug 24
class
Politics from Center: Zen, Citizenship, and Staying Happy in Turbulent Times
class

Sunday afternoon workshop. Limited to 20 participants. Taught by Rebecca McIlwain. By Donation.

class
The Zen Master's Dance
Sep 16
class
The Zen Master's Dance
class

A Guide to Understanding Dogen and Who You Are in the Universe. Series of 5 Tuesday classes. September 16 - October 14. 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Taught by Shindō Neely Atkinson.

class
Sangha Day at Auspicious Cloud: Zen Retreat Center
Sep 27
event
Sangha Day at Auspicious Cloud: Zen Retreat Center
event

Welcome the birds and creatures of late Summer, early Autumn on the Land with a day of practice together.

event
The 16 Bodhisattva Precepts - a series of 6 classes
Sep 29
class
The 16 Bodhisattva Precepts - a series of 6 classes
class

6 Mondays, September 29 - November 3, 2025

class

ONGOING GROUPS

Introduction to Zen Sitting - One Hour

If you are new to Zen or meditation, please come to the one–hour introduction on the first Wednesday of each month. More information here.

Zen en Español

Para mas informacion favor de haga clik. Los esperamos!

Queer Dharma Group

A monthly meeting for LGBTQ+ practitioners, and the curious. More information here.

Living Lotus Recovery

A weekly meeting for people in all forms of recovery. More information here.