New and notable:

Not Knowing is Most Intimate: An Exploration of Love with John Tarrant in Santa Rosa, CA
Saturday, February 11th,
10:00am to 4:00pm
Love is at the heart of the mystery of life. Join us as Valentine's day approaches, for meditation, conversation and discovery.
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Bare Bones Retreat – Winter Sesshin at Angela Center, with John Tarrant & David Weinstein in Santa Rosa, CA
Saturday, Feb. 18 to Saturday, Feb. 25
Deep meditation, koans, private work with teachers, delicious meals and more!
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A one-day retreat with John Tarrant in Nevada City, CA
Sunday, March 4th,
10:00am to 4:00pm
"When great difficulties come, how can I avoid them?" The master replied, "Welcome!"
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Spring Renewal: Open Mind Retreat
with John Tarrant in Bolinas, CA
Thursday, April 12 – Sunday, April 15
When we take away the barriers to opening your heart, things naturally shine with their own light. This is a retreat in a beautiful place with a light schedule and a simple feel. Learn more »

Summer Sesshin at Angela Center, with John Tarrant & David Weinstein in Santa Rosa, CA
Saturday, June 23 to Saturday, June 30
Deep meditation, koans, private work with teachers, delicious meals and summer sunshine!
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Autumn Sesshin at Angela Center, with John Tarrant & David Weinstein in Santa Rosa, CA
Saturday, October 13 to Saturday, October 20
Deep meditation, koans, private work with teachers, delicious meals and autumn winds.
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Are you a veteran who practices Buddhist meditation?
Researchers in Colorado would like to interview veterans who have used Buddhist practices and worldviews to understand their military experience.
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Step Into Freedom

When you hear music your body just dances and Zen Koan meditation is like that. You can step into freedom in just one step, without working out how to do it. It can be as simple as just turning your head.

Every child has experienced an epiphany when the world came into focus and they felt the beauty of the world in every cell. Such moments of clarity can be plain or make you weep for joy—the important thing is that they open our eyes to what it feels like to be free.

At Pacific Zen Institute we are building a culture that supports and encourages the discovery of this kind of freedom, through meditation, koan study, inquiry, conversation & the arts. We hope this website will help you learn more about what we do and give you ways to go deeper if you feel drawn to.

We will be adding new functionality and content to this website so please check back frequently. If you have any questions or comments about the site, please send them to us with the contact form.