Zazen is the heart of our practice. Even a few minutes of stillness supports children to enjoy calm minds and bodies, bring more attention to the present moment, and meet each other with kindness.
Creative expression invites children and teens to explore themselves and the world with originality and vitality. We move our bodies, create visual art, make collaborative music and more to encourage children to find and express their unique voice.
The beautiful grounds of the monastery are ideal to experience the vibrancy of life all around us. The kids and teens explore and play in the forest, grow plants in the garden and even cook meals over a fire, cultivating a deep connection with the natural world.
Our programs are offered via age-appropriate groups.
We look forward to sharing practice with you and your family.
Zen Kids (ages 4–10): In person Saturdays and Sundays, and online, dates below. Email Sekku and Eve at zenkids@dharma.net for more info.
Zen Tweens (ages 10–13): In person Sundays and online Tuesdays, dates below. Email Kyuko and Jo at zentweens@dharma.net for more info.
Zen Teens (ages 14–18): Meets monthly on a Saturday from 1:00-4:00pm at the Monastery. Next meeting is July 31st. Email Kien at zenteens@dharma.net for more info.
Sunday mornings offer our young Sangha the opportunity to come together to practice Zazen, enjoy animal kinhin, eat together, play, be creative, discover stories and more. Once a month, from 9 a.m.–noon. (Dates below)
Saturday mornings are dedicated to creativity! We’ll be getting inspired by the natural world to create artwork, movement, poetry, sounds and more. All materials provided. Once a month, from 10 a.m.–noon. (Dates below)
We’ll all be masked and programs will be outside. Drop us a line if you have any questions.
September
Sunday 5th (Zen Kids)
Saturday 18th (Creative Play)
October
Sunday 3rd (Zen Kids)
Saturday 9th (Creative Play)
Sunday mornings 9 a.m.–noon, we offer our tween Sangha the opportunity to come together to practice Zazen, Kinhin, Liturgy, art practice, and explore the forest and orchards as we connect with nature. Please plan for the kids to be outside with water, tick protection, a hat/sunscreen, and your preferred bug repellent (also provided). We will be maintaining check-in attestation questions and temp checks, as well as distancing and sanitation protocols throughout the program (please bring a mask). We will carefully be serving a snack. Drop-off and pickup will be from the Parking lot near the wood shed. Email us for more details or to answer any questions.
Zoom Tuesdays 5–6 p.m. offers our tween Sangha the opportunity to come together despite physical distance. The hour is dedicated to deepening our understanding of the Dharma, Zazen, and exploring ways to extend our awareness and “practice” into everyday life observations using the foundations of mindfulness through games and activities, examining impossible questions, perceptions, listening, and seeing how everyone’s mental processes are both unique and similar. Using videos, visuals, and creative methods, attendees have the opportunity to make art and share.
August
Tuesday 31st (Zoom program)
September
Sunday 12th (In person)
October
Sunday 10th (In person)
November
Sunday 14th (In person)
