Minnesota Zen Meditation Center

Classes

MZMC classes support and encourage meditative practice, compassion, and joyful living.

Looking for a day or more of silent sitting? See retreats and workshops.

Introductory classes

Introduction to Zen Meditation

For those who are curious about meditation, or would like to test the waters. This is an introductory series of talks offered each week. Each session includes meditation instruction and teaching on how meditation and Zen relate to daily life.

Plan your first intro class

Basic Zen Forms and Etiquette

An overview of traditional Zen forms: bows, entries and exits, walking meditation, and so on. It is for anyone who would like to feel more familiar and comfortable joining us for morning zazen or one of our sesshins (traditional retreats).

Next dates
Friday, October 9
Sunday, November 29
Time
5:15 – 6:30 pm
Format
In person only. Class size is limited to 12.
Cost
Suggested donation $10

Register for Zen Forms and Etiquette

Upcoming

Classes are offered online and in person. Please register one week in advance.

If cost is a concern, scholarships are available. The scholarship rate is generally one half of the cost, and you choose it when you pay.

Under way now

A practice period is a stretch of weeks when the community takes up one teaching together, in class and in daily practice.

Earlier in 2026
  • January 15 – March 5: Therapy and Buddhist Practice: Experiencing Joy by Moving through Difficulty, with Tim Burkett and Judith Weyl (eight weeks, Thursdays, 7:15 – 8:45 pm)
  • February 3 – March 10: Spring Morning Study Group: Shinshu Roberts’ Meeting the Myriad Things, with Ted O’Toole (Tuesday mornings, 8:10 – 9:30 am)
  • February 18 – March 25: Huayan Buddhism, with Ben Connelly (six weeks, Wednesdays, 7:15 – 8:45 pm)
  • April 1 – May 20 or April 2 – May 21: Spring Practice Period. The Eightfold Path: Discovering Happiness within Suffering, with Tim Burkett (Wednesday evenings, 7:15 – 8:45 pm, or Thursday mornings, 8:10 – 9:30 am)
  • May 27 – July 1: Pali Canon, Methods of Meditation, with Ben Connelly (six weeks, Wednesdays, 7:15 – 8:45 pm)
  • June 4 – July 9: Shamanic Roots of Zen, with Tim Burkett (six weeks, Thursdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm)
  • July 16, 23, and 30: How Shall I Stand Between River and Land: Book Study, with author Leni de Mik (three weeks, Thursday evenings, 7:00 – 8:30 pm; in person only, enrollment limited to 12)
  • August 19 – September 23: Zen Ritual and Liturgy, with Ben Connelly and Deb Mielke (six weeks, Wednesdays, 7:15 – 8:45 pm)
  • August 25 – September 29: Fall Morning Study Group: Dogen’s Being Time, with Tim Burkett (Tuesday mornings, 8:10 – 9:30 am)

Part of a larger curriculum

These classes belong to our course curriculum, which provides structured support for exploring Buddhist teachings and clarifying the fundamental questions of our lives.

Read the course curriculum

Going further

For people who want more structure or guidance in their practice.

  • The curriculum

    How the classes fit together, as structured support for exploring Buddhist teachings.

  • Practice periods

    An integral part of traditional Buddhism, tracing back to the historical Buddha: a season of intensified meditation, study and community.

  • Mentorship

    For active members who would like more direct guidance in their Zen practice lives.

  • Initiation and priest training

    Zen initiation, ordination, priest training and dharma transmission.

  • Sewing practice

    Sewing Buddha’s robes, a practice brought to MZMC by its founding sewing teacher, Tomoe Katagiri.

Ready for a longer sit?

Retreats and sesshins run from a half day to a week. There is a Beginner’s Mind Retreat on November 21.

See upcoming retreats