Minnesota Zen Meditation Center

02/18/2026

Senior Teacher Ted O'Toole is pictured with Sister Pearl Pham and Sister Thien Chan at Giac Tham Temple in Eagan. Ted was among the MZMC folks who attended the Temple on Sunday for the Lunar New Year and a Zen Monastery Housewarming and Blessing. It is a beautiful temple and they had wonderful hosts! Sister Pearl will be giving the Sunday dharma talk at MZMC on March 1.

02/16/2026

Day of Practice
A Restorative Retreat
with Tim Burkett
Saturday, March 14, 8 am – 5 pm
Offered in person only.
Register
https://www.mnzencenter.org/store/p132/Day_of_Practice%2C_March.html

Settle into a day of the stillness and quiet of Zen. This restorative retreat will focus will be on slowing down and settling into a quiet contentedness. Practices will include Body Scanning, Loving-Kindness Practice, Movement to Improve Energy Flow, and guided meditations designed to be restorative. We will also have the opportunity to listen meditatively to Japanese zen shakuhachi flute music, provided by Leo Hansen.

This retreat will be less meditation intensive and physically rigorous than other MZMC retreats. It will be an opportunity for silent retreat and an open door to total engagement with the present moment. A vegetarian lunch is served.

02/13/2026

02/13/2026

MZMC's Ben Connelly recently joined his colleagues in Center Down, Rise Ready a branch of MARCH (Multifaith Anti-racism, Change and Healing) to make this five minute video, Multifaith Meditation from Minneapolis, for folks integrating work for social justice and meditation.

02/12/2026

Huayan Buddhism
with Ben Connelly
Wednesday evenings, February 18 - March 25 (six weeks)
7:15 - 8:45 pm
Offered online and in person.
Register
https://www.mnzencenter.org/store/p141/Huayan_Buddhism.html

Huayan Buddhism arose in the sixth century in China with its roots in the Flower Garland (Huayan) Sutra. Huayan is relational, practical, and positive. Its emphasis on interdependence, celebration of the sensual world, social engagement, and diversity of people and practices has much to offer during this era when many folks see ever-deepening divisions. Ben recently published the book that will be used for the class; this is a wonderful opportunity to explore it with him. "Inside the Flower Garland Sutra," available at MZMC and online https://wisdomexperience.org/product/inside-the-flower-garland-sutra/

02/10/2026

When we got the idea last week for a Silent Walk for Justice led by Buddhist communities in solidarity with those harmed by ICE, and to bear witness to all who have been harmed by state violence, we did not expect 700 people to show up. May energy for the work flow from our bearing of witness as we visited Say Their Names Cemetery at George Floyd Square and The Renee Good Memorial Site.

02/07/2026

Visiting Teachers This Sunday, February 8th
Eve Marko, Founding Teacher of the Zen Peacemaker Order
MZMC Sunday Talk at 10:00 am
Offered online and in person.
https://www.mnzencenter.org/zoom-program-links.html

We will have two talks by visiting teachers during the normal Sunday Dharma talk period. Eve Marko and another special visiting guest teacher.

Eve Marko is a Founding Teacher of the Zen Peacemaker Order, head teacher at the Green River Zen Center in Massachusetts, and co-author of "The Book of Householder Koans." https://zenpeacemakers.org

02/04/2026

Silent Walk for Justice
Hosted by Twin Cities Buddhist Communities
All Are Welcome Sunday, February 8th, 3-4:30pm
Gather at Powderhorn Park West Playground

All are welcome to join this mindful walk in solidarity with those harmed by ICE, and to bear witness to all who have been harmed by state violence. There will be no speeches. After we gather we will walk to the sound of bells through the neighborhood to be fully present and to manifest compassion. As we walk, we invite you to rest your attention on your feet on the ground, your breath, the people and places around you, and all that you see and hear. Signs and all religious garments are welcome.

01/23/2026

Find support and community in Zen practice. Join us for all or part of this traditional meditation retreat with Guiding Teacher Ben Connelly.
Winter Weekend Sesshin
Friday, January 30 - Sunday, February 1
Saturday 5:45 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday 5: 45 a.m. - 4 p.m.
You may sign up for the full weekend or Saturday only.
Offered in person and online.
Register online
https://www.mnzencenter.org/store/p131/Weekend_Sesshin%2C_January.html

At this traditional meditation retreat, we follow the forms and rituals used in the Soto Zen tradition for centuries. Weekend sesshin includes zazen, kinhin (walking meditation), liturgy, dharma talks, formal vegetarian meals using oryoki, dokusan (one-to-one meetings with the teacher), and work practice.

All participants need to attend the orientation on Friday evening from 7 - 9 p.m. (You may attend online or in person.)

01/21/2026

MZMC's Ben Connelly wrote this article for Lion's Roar magazine earlier this week.

Minnesota Zen teacher Ben Connelly on why his Buddhist vow to end suffering impels him to work for nonviolence, safety, and community solidarity in embattled Minneapolis.

01/21/2026

Ice Out Minnesota: A Day of Truth and Freedom
No work, no school, no shopping
Friday, January 23
MZMC Open for Meditation 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

MZMC will support those who want to join this celebration of community care, which is being organized by a large network of organizations, by opening our doors from 9 a.m. until noon this Friday. Drop by and find some practice and sangha.

01/13/2026

Gathering in the Midst of ICE Surge
Wednesday, January 14, 7:15 - 8:30 pm
Offered in person and online.
Find the Zoom link here.
https://www.mnzencenter.org/zoom-program-links.html

All are welcome to this gathering to speak and listen from the heart regarding how we are feeling and responding to the surge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Minnesota. This is an opportunity to get and show support and to learn of ways to support our communities.