The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.

INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:

7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)

9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)

Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM

Dharma Talk: TBA

Speaker: TBA

The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.

INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:

7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)

Each 1st Thursday of the month the workshop will feature exercises in creative combinations of 5 focal points: 
         1 - Natural Posture: Finding Your Center (zazen)

         2 - Natural Breath: Following The Body (kyuki & koki)

         3 - Mindful Attention: Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)

         4 - Walking & Chanting: Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)

         5 - Healing & Sleeping: Promoting Wellbeing (ki)

Suggested donation $20.00 per session

Just Sit Saturday is your opportunity to enhance your daily practice and prepare for extended meditation in upcoming retreats offered during the year. 

We will focus on just sitting zazen.
MORNING SESSIONS: 9 AM - NOON
(6) SESSIONS- 25 min sitting + 5 min walking

Suggested Program price: $25 or pay what you can afford.

9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)

Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM

Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM

Each second Sunday we conduct a live interview with one of the long-time members of our community, and occasionally a relative newcomer, to share their wayfinding path, personal and professional background, and what makes them continue to practice Zen. VIP means "Very Interesting Person," but they are also very important to us.

The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.

INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:

7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)

9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)

Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM

Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM

Each third Sunday Shinji Mike Goldman-sansei, Vice-Abbot of ASZC, leads the dialog and discussion. His extensive background and historical research in Zen, combined with his polymath engagement in a wide range of professional and teaching activities as martial arts (black belt judo), hazard management, music performance (bsss, guitar and mandolin for starters). EMT training, venomous snake handling and rescue, scuba diving, schooling in entomology and nature photography, along with his style of presenting the material and connecting it to daily life make for interesting and challenging discussion.

The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.

INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:

7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)

Zen Jam Night

Monthly · 7:00–8:30 PM

Suggested $10 dāna donation to the center

Join us for a relaxed evening of music, presence, and community. No experience is required—professionals, hobbyists, total beginners, and first-timers are all welcome.

What to Expect:

All instruments welcome. We’ll also provide simple percussion for anyone without instruments

No set repertoire. Just show up and make sound—songs are welcome, but not required.

Beginner’s-mind approach. We’ll open with a short reflection and offer simple musical prompts to help everyone drop expectations and play freely.

Evening Flow

Opening House Band Set: 15–30 minutes

Open Jam: 45–60 minutes

Audience is welcome, but participation is encouraged.

ROSHI SEMINAR 2026

Sharpening the Razorblade of Zen

Fourth Saturdays 9:00 AM-12:00 Noon

Read "The Razorblade of Zen" as background reference, following this reading schedule.. We will expand upon its content, and entertain any comments or questions you may have in the during the Q&A dialog.

Monthly interactive dialog will further expand upon the main thesis of the book, that Zen offers a third, middle way between the extremes of rationalism/science/secular reductionism on one end of the spectrum and theism/religion/fundamentalism on the other.

We will leverage the table below as a framework for comparative analysis in terms of eight dimensions of activities and attitudes across the three fields of endeavor, structuring the book.

Hybrid Format Onsite/Online Participation

Individual Class (Per session):     $40

Email: taiunmelliston@gmail.com for additional questions

9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)

Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM

Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM

Each fourth Sunday Roshi Taiun Elliston delivers a contemporary approach to approaching Zen from a design-thinking, problem-definition and -solving perspective, derived from his training in the Bauhaus method or graphic, industrial and communications design and based on his background in research for new product and program development and years in applied design for a variety of industries, as well as his teaching at university level. This is in keeping with the tradition of householder Zen adapting to the various countries and cultures over time, and continuing Matsuoka-roishi's mission in bringing Soto Zen to America in the 1940s.

The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.

INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:

7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)

Samu (Facility workday) Saturday will occur on the 5th Saturday of each month. Your dedication to the ASZC Facility has kept the Zendo in great shape for many years. our continued dedication will help keep the Zendo available to those in the future. Each 5th Saturday of this year, join the sangha for a dedicated samu session. For more details, or to register, click on the button to send an email to the organizer.

9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)

Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM

Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM

Each fifth Sunday Elliston-roshi and/or Shinjin-sensei leads a lively exchange based on the ancient tradition of dharma combat (hossen), wherein individuals in the session are invited to step forward with challenging questions or comments about Zen, to which the leaders respond. This is known as a "crossing of swords" (mondo) and is the source of most of the koans recorded in history - anecdotal dialogs between students and teachers from the countries of origin.   

The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.

INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:

7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)

Each 1st Thursday of the month the workshop will feature exercises in creative combinations of 5 focal points: 
         1 - Natural Posture: Finding Your Center (zazen)

         2 - Natural Breath: Following The Body (kyuki & koki)

         3 - Mindful Attention: Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)

         4 - Walking & Chanting: Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)

         5 - Healing & Sleeping: Promoting Wellbeing (ki)

Suggested donation $20.00 per session

9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)

Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM

Dharma Talk: TBA

Speaker: TBA

The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.

INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:

7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)

Just Sit Saturday is your opportunity to enhance your daily practice and prepare for extended meditation in upcoming retreats offered during the year. 

We will focus on just sitting zazen.
MORNING SESSIONS: 9 AM - NOON
(6) SESSIONS- 25 min sitting + 5 min walking

Suggested Program price: $25 or pay what you can afford.

9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)

Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM

Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM

Each second Sunday we conduct a live interview with one of the long-time members of our community, and occasionally a relative newcomer, to share their wayfinding path, personal and professional background, and what makes them continue to practice Zen. VIP means "Very Interesting Person," but they are also very important to us.

The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.

INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:

7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)

Zen Jam Night

Monthly · 7:00–8:30 PM

Suggested $10 dāna donation to the center

Join us for a relaxed evening of music, presence, and community. No experience is required—professionals, hobbyists, total beginners, and first-timers are all welcome.

What to Expect:

All instruments welcome. We’ll also provide simple percussion for anyone without instruments

No set repertoire. Just show up and make sound—songs are welcome, but not required.

Beginner’s-mind approach. We’ll open with a short reflection and offer simple musical prompts to help everyone drop expectations and play freely.

Evening Flow

Opening House Band Set: 15–30 minutes

Open Jam: 45–60 minutes

Audience is welcome, but participation is encouraged.

9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)

Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM

Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM

Each third Sunday Shinji Mike Goldman-sansei, Vice-Abbot of ASZC, leads the dialog and discussion. His extensive background and historical research in Zen, combined with his polymath engagement in a wide range of professional and teaching activities as martial arts (black belt judo), hazard management, music performance (bsss, guitar and mandolin for starters). EMT training, venomous snake handling and rescue, scuba diving, schooling in entomology and nature photography, along with his style of presenting the material and connecting it to daily life make for interesting and challenging discussion.

The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.

INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:

7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)

ROSHI SEMINAR 2026

Sharpening the Razorblade of Zen

Fourth Saturdays 9:00 AM-12:00 Noon

Read "The Razorblade of Zen" as background reference, following this reading schedule.. We will expand upon its content, and entertain any comments or questions you may have in the during the Q&A dialog.

Monthly interactive dialog will further expand upon the main thesis of the book, that Zen offers a third, middle way between the extremes of rationalism/science/secular reductionism on one end of the spectrum and theism/religion/fundamentalism on the other.

We will leverage the table below as a framework for comparative analysis in terms of eight dimensions of activities and attitudes across the three fields of endeavor, structuring the book.

Hybrid Format Onsite/Online Participation

Individual Class (Per session):     $40

Email: taiunmelliston@gmail.com for additional questions

9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)

Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM

Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM

Each fourth Sunday Roshi Taiun Elliston delivers a contemporary approach to approaching Zen from a design-thinking, problem-definition and -solving perspective, derived from his training in the Bauhaus method or graphic, industrial and communications design and based on his background in research for new product and program development and years in applied design for a variety of industries, as well as his teaching at university level. This is in keeping with the tradition of householder Zen adapting to the various countries and cultures over time, and continuing Matsuoka-roishi's mission in bringing Soto Zen to America in the 1940s.

The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.

INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:

7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)

Each 1st Thursday of the month the workshop will feature exercises in creative combinations of 5 focal points: 
         1 - Natural Posture: Finding Your Center (zazen)

         2 - Natural Breath: Following The Body (kyuki & koki)

         3 - Mindful Attention: Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)

         4 - Walking & Chanting: Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)

         5 - Healing & Sleeping: Promoting Wellbeing (ki)

Suggested donation $20.00 per session

9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)

Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM

Dharma Talk: TBA

Speaker: TBA

The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.

INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:

7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)

Just Sit Saturday is your opportunity to enhance your daily practice and prepare for extended meditation in upcoming retreats offered during the year. 

We will focus on just sitting zazen.
MORNING SESSIONS: 9 AM - NOON
(6) SESSIONS- 25 min sitting + 5 min walking

Suggested Program price: $25 or pay what you can afford.

9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)

Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM

Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM

Each second Sunday we conduct a live interview with one of the long-time members of our community, and occasionally a relative newcomer, to share their wayfinding path, personal and professional background, and what makes them continue to practice Zen. VIP means "Very Interesting Person," but they are also very important to us.

The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.

INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:

7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)

Zen Jam Night

Monthly · 7:00–8:30 PM

Suggested $10 dāna donation to the center

Join us for a relaxed evening of music, presence, and community. No experience is required—professionals, hobbyists, total beginners, and first-timers are all welcome.

What to Expect:

All instruments welcome. We’ll also provide simple percussion for anyone without instruments

No set repertoire. Just show up and make sound—songs are welcome, but not required.

Beginner’s-mind approach. We’ll open with a short reflection and offer simple musical prompts to help everyone drop expectations and play freely.

Evening Flow

Opening House Band Set: 15–30 minutes

Open Jam: 45–60 minutes

Audience is welcome, but participation is encouraged.

9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)

Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM

Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM

Each third Sunday Shinji Mike Goldman-sansei, Vice-Abbot of ASZC, leads the dialog and discussion. His extensive background and historical research in Zen, combined with his polymath engagement in a wide range of professional and teaching activities as martial arts (black belt judo), hazard management, music performance (bsss, guitar and mandolin for starters). EMT training, venomous snake handling and rescue, scuba diving, schooling in entomology and nature photography, along with his style of presenting the material and connecting it to daily life make for interesting and challenging discussion.

The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.

INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:

7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)

ROSHI SEMINAR 2026

Sharpening the Razorblade of Zen

Fourth Saturdays 9:00 AM-12:00 Noon

Read "The Razorblade of Zen" as background reference, following this reading schedule.. We will expand upon its content, and entertain any comments or questions you may have in the during the Q&A dialog.

Monthly interactive dialog will further expand upon the main thesis of the book, that Zen offers a third, middle way between the extremes of rationalism/science/secular reductionism on one end of the spectrum and theism/religion/fundamentalism on the other.

We will leverage the table below as a framework for comparative analysis in terms of eight dimensions of activities and attitudes across the three fields of endeavor, structuring the book.

Hybrid Format Onsite/Online Participation

Individual Class (Per session):     $40

Email: taiunmelliston@gmail.com for additional questions

9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)

Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM

Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM

Each fourth Sunday Roshi Taiun Elliston delivers a contemporary approach to approaching Zen from a design-thinking, problem-definition and -solving perspective, derived from his training in the Bauhaus method or graphic, industrial and communications design and based on his background in research for new product and program development and years in applied design for a variety of industries, as well as his teaching at university level. This is in keeping with the tradition of householder Zen adapting to the various countries and cultures over time, and continuing Matsuoka-roishi's mission in bringing Soto Zen to America in the 1940s.

The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.

INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:

7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)

Samu (Facility workday) Saturday will occur on the 5th Saturday of each month. Your dedication to the ASZC Facility has kept the Zendo in great shape for many years. our continued dedication will help keep the Zendo available to those in the future. Each 5th Saturday of this year, join the sangha for a dedicated samu session. For more details, or to register, click on the button to send an email to the organizer.

9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)

Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM

Dharma Talk: TBA

Speaker: TBA

The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.

INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:

7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)

Each 1st Thursday of the month the workshop will feature exercises in creative combinations of 5 focal points: 
         1 - Natural Posture: Finding Your Center (zazen)

         2 - Natural Breath: Following The Body (kyuki & koki)

         3 - Mindful Attention: Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)

         4 - Walking & Chanting: Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)

         5 - Healing & Sleeping: Promoting Wellbeing (ki)

Suggested donation $20.00 per session

9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)

Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM

Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM

Each second Sunday we conduct a live interview with one of the long-time members of our community, and occasionally a relative newcomer, to share their wayfinding path, personal and professional background, and what makes them continue to practice Zen. VIP means "Very Interesting Person," but they are also very important to us.

The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.

INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:

7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)

Just Sit Saturday is your opportunity to enhance your daily practice and prepare for extended meditation in upcoming retreats offered during the year. 

We will focus on just sitting zazen.
MORNING SESSIONS: 9 AM - NOON
(6) SESSIONS- 25 min sitting + 5 min walking

Suggested Program price: $25 or pay what you can afford.

9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)

Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM

Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM

Each third Sunday Shinji Mike Goldman-sansei, Vice-Abbot of ASZC, leads the dialog and discussion. His extensive background and historical research in Zen, combined with his polymath engagement in a wide range of professional and teaching activities as martial arts (black belt judo), hazard management, music performance (bsss, guitar and mandolin for starters). EMT training, venomous snake handling and rescue, scuba diving, schooling in entomology and nature photography, along with his style of presenting the material and connecting it to daily life make for interesting and challenging discussion.

The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.

INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:

7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)

Zen Jam Night

Monthly · 7:00–8:30 PM

Suggested $10 dāna donation to the center

Join us for a relaxed evening of music, presence, and community. No experience is required—professionals, hobbyists, total beginners, and first-timers are all welcome.

What to Expect:

All instruments welcome. We’ll also provide simple percussion for anyone without instruments

No set repertoire. Just show up and make sound—songs are welcome, but not required.

Beginner’s-mind approach. We’ll open with a short reflection and offer simple musical prompts to help everyone drop expectations and play freely.

Evening Flow

Opening House Band Set: 15–30 minutes

Open Jam: 45–60 minutes

Audience is welcome, but participation is encouraged.

9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)

Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM

Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM

Each fourth Sunday Roshi Taiun Elliston delivers a contemporary approach to approaching Zen from a design-thinking, problem-definition and -solving perspective, derived from his training in the Bauhaus method or graphic, industrial and communications design and based on his background in research for new product and program development and years in applied design for a variety of industries, as well as his teaching at university level. This is in keeping with the tradition of householder Zen adapting to the various countries and cultures over time, and continuing Matsuoka-roishi's mission in bringing Soto Zen to America in the 1940s.

ROSHI SEMINAR 2026

Sharpening the Razorblade of Zen

Fourth Saturdays 9:00 AM-12:00 Noon

Read "The Razorblade of Zen" as background reference, following this reading schedule.. We will expand upon its content, and entertain any comments or questions you may have in the during the Q&A dialog.

Monthly interactive dialog will further expand upon the main thesis of the book, that Zen offers a third, middle way between the extremes of rationalism/science/secular reductionism on one end of the spectrum and theism/religion/fundamentalism on the other.

We will leverage the table below as a framework for comparative analysis in terms of eight dimensions of activities and attitudes across the three fields of endeavor, structuring the book.

Hybrid Format Onsite/Online Participation

Individual Class (Per session):     $40

Email: taiunmelliston@gmail.com for additional questions

The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.

INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:

7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)

Each 1st Thursday of the month the workshop will feature exercises in creative combinations of 5 focal points: 
         1 - Natural Posture: Finding Your Center (zazen)

         2 - Natural Breath: Following The Body (kyuki & koki)

         3 - Mindful Attention: Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)

         4 - Walking & Chanting: Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)

         5 - Healing & Sleeping: Promoting Wellbeing (ki)

Suggested donation $20.00 per session

9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)

Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM

Dharma Talk: TBA

Speaker: TBA

The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.

INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:

7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)

Just Sit Saturday is your opportunity to enhance your daily practice and prepare for extended meditation in upcoming retreats offered during the year. 

We will focus on just sitting zazen.
MORNING SESSIONS: 9 AM - NOON
(6) SESSIONS- 25 min sitting + 5 min walking

Suggested Program price: $25 or pay what you can afford.

9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)

Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM

Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM

Each second Sunday we conduct a live interview with one of the long-time members of our community, and occasionally a relative newcomer, to share their wayfinding path, personal and professional background, and what makes them continue to practice Zen. VIP means "Very Interesting Person," but they are also very important to us.

The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.

INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:

7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)

Zen Jam Night

Monthly · 7:00–8:30 PM

Suggested $10 dāna donation to the center

Join us for a relaxed evening of music, presence, and community. No experience is required—professionals, hobbyists, total beginners, and first-timers are all welcome.

What to Expect:

All instruments welcome. We’ll also provide simple percussion for anyone without instruments

No set repertoire. Just show up and make sound—songs are welcome, but not required.

Beginner’s-mind approach. We’ll open with a short reflection and offer simple musical prompts to help everyone drop expectations and play freely.

Evening Flow

Opening House Band Set: 15–30 minutes

Open Jam: 45–60 minutes

Audience is welcome, but participation is encouraged.

9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)

Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM

Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM

Each third Sunday Shinji Mike Goldman-sansei, Vice-Abbot of ASZC, leads the dialog and discussion. His extensive background and historical research in Zen, combined with his polymath engagement in a wide range of professional and teaching activities as martial arts (black belt judo), hazard management, music performance (bsss, guitar and mandolin for starters). EMT training, venomous snake handling and rescue, scuba diving, schooling in entomology and nature photography, along with his style of presenting the material and connecting it to daily life make for interesting and challenging discussion.

INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:

7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)

ROSHI SEMINAR 2026

Sharpening the Razorblade of Zen

Fourth Saturdays 9:00 AM-12:00 Noon

Read "The Razorblade of Zen" as background reference, following this reading schedule.. We will expand upon its content, and entertain any comments or questions you may have in the during the Q&A dialog.

Monthly interactive dialog will further expand upon the main thesis of the book, that Zen offers a third, middle way between the extremes of rationalism/science/secular reductionism on one end of the spectrum and theism/religion/fundamentalism on the other.

We will leverage the table below as a framework for comparative analysis in terms of eight dimensions of activities and attitudes across the three fields of endeavor, structuring the book.

Hybrid Format Onsite/Online Participation

Individual Class (Per session):     $40

Email: taiunmelliston@gmail.com for additional questions

9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)

Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM

Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM

Each fourth Sunday Roshi Taiun Elliston delivers a contemporary approach to approaching Zen from a design-thinking, problem-definition and -solving perspective, derived from his training in the Bauhaus method or graphic, industrial and communications design and based on his background in research for new product and program development and years in applied design for a variety of industries, as well as his teaching at university level. This is in keeping with the tradition of householder Zen adapting to the various countries and cultures over time, and continuing Matsuoka-roishi's mission in bringing Soto Zen to America in the 1940s.

INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:

7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)