Minnesota Zen Meditation CenterCommunity
The Minnesota Zen Meditation Center supports people and their communities in living Zen. Since the entire world is our community, there is no boundary to our practice.
With questions about how to get involved, write to info@mnzencenter.org.
Groups that meet regularly
Affinity groups provide a space for people who share identities or interests to create support, learning, and community. If you would like MZMC to host a group you don’t see here, the center would love to know.
- People of Color Dharma Group
Second Monday of each month, 7:10 to 8:30 pm, online and in person. Facilitated by Raymond Vigil.
- LGBTQ+ Dharma Group
Fourth Monday of every other month, 7:10 to 8:30 pm, online and in person. A brief meditation and a discussion of dharma and practice. Facilitated by Ben Connelly.
- Tara Dharma Group
First Monday of each month, 7:10 to 8:30 pm, online and in person. Facilitated by Deborah Mielke and Margaret Pfeffer.
- Recovery Dharma Group
Sundays, 6 to 7 pm, in person. Buddhist approaches to recovery from addiction.
- Council Process
Several Monday evenings a year, 7:15 to 8:30 pm, in person only. The next is October 19 with Margaret Pfeffer.
- Yin-Yang Yoga
Thursdays, 5:30 to 6:45 pm, in person, with Dennis Maiello. Offered by donation, and all donations support MZMC.
Service and action
Activities that promote connection within the MZMC community and beyond our walls.
- Race and Climate Justice Action
Organized activities to support work for race and climate justice outside the walls of MZMC, partnering with community groups and following the leadership of people of color.
- Joyce Food Shelf
MZMC supports the Joyce Uptown Food Shelf with two food drives a year, to help neighbors in need of food and other items for daily living.
- Beyond our walls
Groups affiliated with MZMC that meet suffering in its many forms, from mental illness and addiction to poverty and incarceration.
- Work practice days
Saturday work practice at the center. The next is October 31, 11 am to 1 pm, with lunch. Let the office know if you are coming.
Care for one another
- Pastoral care and mutual support
For MZMC members facing serious illness or the end of life, including visits and a meal train.
- Spiritual care
Priests and teachers are available to support members through life transitions such as coming of age, marriage, illness, bereavement and dying.
- Ceremonies
Buddhist ceremonies to acknowledge important stages in our lives. MZMC clergy can work with you to plan a service that honors the occasion.
- Children and families
A welcoming program for families, children and teens that explores how mindfulness and meditation can be brought to life at school, at home and at play.
- Monastic residencies
In 2025 MZMC hosted three Buddhist women monastics for a period of deep practice, teaching and cultural exchange. Read the report to the community.
The simplest way in
Come to a sitting or a Sunday talk and stay for tea. Tea and social time follows the Sunday talk at 11 am, except during retreats.