Empty Gate Zen Center

Berkeley
, 
United States

The center was founded in 1977 by Zen Master Seung Sahn, the great Korean Zen Master who first came to the U.S. in 1972. With a more modern approach to Buddhism the center's purpose is providing formal zen practice to a diverse group of people. The center is currently located in Berkeley California, with two more branches located in Santa Clara and Boise, Idaho.

Zen
Path
Buddhism
Tradition
Buddhism
Language
Center
Type of Place

About the Place

and its People

The center was founded in 1977 by Zen Master Seung Sahn, the great Korean Zen Master who first came to the U.S. in 1972. With a more modern approach to Buddhism the center's purpose is providing formal zen practice to a diverse group of people. The center is currently located in Berkeley California, with two more branches located in Santa Clara and Boise, Idaho.

In 1977 Dr. Ezra Clark and his wife Diana met Zen Master Seung Sahn at a meditation retreat. They decided to create the Empty Gate Zen Center, and in the same year it was founded by Zen Master Seung Sahn. In 1978 a house was purchased on Arch Street in Berkeley, and Empty Gate Zen Center became a public, residential Zen Center. In 1979 Jeff Kitzes, the current Guiding Teacher, visited the Center for a meditation retreat and decided to stay. In 1997, they moved locations and have resided ever since at 2200 Parker Street in Berkeley. There are also 2 branches of the Center located in Santa Clara and Boise, Idaho.

Zen

the Path

Zen Buddhism is a form of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China and has spread to other countries in Asia and beyond. Zen emphasizes direct experience and personal realization through meditation and other spiritual practices, rather than relying on scriptures or other external sources of authority. The goal of Zen Buddhism is enlightenment, or understanding one's true nature and attaining liberation from suffering. This is typically achieved through the practice of zazen, or seated meditation, which is said to help practitioners develop concentration, clarity of mind, and insight into the nature of reality.

Zen practice also often includes other spiritual practices such as koans, chanting, and physical disciplines such as martial arts or gardening. Zen teachings often emphasize the importance of living in the present moment, practicing compassion and kindness towards others, and finding one's own path to enlightenment rather than following a prescribed set of beliefs or practices.

‍

learn more
Zen
Path
Buddhism
Tradition
Buddhism
Language
Center
Type of Place

the Place

and its People

In 1977 Dr. Ezra Clark and his wife Diana met Zen Master Seung Sahn at a meditation retreat. They decided to create the Empty Gate Zen Center, and in the same year it was founded by Zen Master Seung Sahn. In 1978 a house was purchased on Arch Street in Berkeley, and Empty Gate Zen Center became a public, residential Zen Center. In 1979 Jeff Kitzes, the current Guiding Teacher, visited the Center for a meditation retreat and decided to stay. In 1997, they moved locations and have resided ever since at 2200 Parker Street in Berkeley. There are also 2 branches of the Center located in Santa Clara and Boise, Idaho.

Zen

the Path

Zen Buddhism is a form of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China and has spread to other countries in Asia and beyond. Zen emphasizes direct experience and personal realization through meditation and other spiritual practices, rather than relying on scriptures or other external sources of authority. The goal of Zen Buddhism is enlightenment, or understanding one's true nature and attaining liberation from suffering. This is typically achieved through the practice of zazen, or seated meditation, which is said to help practitioners develop concentration, clarity of mind, and insight into the nature of reality.

Zen practice also often includes other spiritual practices such as koans, chanting, and physical disciplines such as martial arts or gardening. Zen teachings often emphasize the importance of living in the present moment, practicing compassion and kindness towards others, and finding one's own path to enlightenment rather than following a prescribed set of beliefs or practices.

‍

learn more

the Place

and its People

In 1977 Dr. Ezra Clark and his wife Diana met Zen Master Seung Sahn at a meditation retreat. They decided to create the Empty Gate Zen Center, and in the same year it was founded by Zen Master Seung Sahn. In 1978 a house was purchased on Arch Street in Berkeley, and Empty Gate Zen Center became a public, residential Zen Center. In 1979 Jeff Kitzes, the current Guiding Teacher, visited the Center for a meditation retreat and decided to stay. In 1997, they moved locations and have resided ever since at 2200 Parker Street in Berkeley. There are also 2 branches of the Center located in Santa Clara and Boise, Idaho.

these are the

Meeting Times

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Kwan Um School of Zen

the Organization

The Kwan Um School of Zen is a international Zen Buddhist organization founded by the Korean Zen master Seung Sahn. The organization is named after the Kwan Um ("Perceiving the World") Zen lineage, which Seung Sahn transmitted to his students. The Kwan Um School of Zen has temples, centers, and groups in more than 30 countries around the world.

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Details

emptygatezenviceabbot@emptygatezen.com+1 510 845 8565
2200 Parker St.
Berkeley
, 
94704
United States
Please ask the Place for the exact address.

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proudly written by

Alex Benacquista

Alexandra Benacquistais a yoga teacher and writer focusing on philosophy and religious studies. Though he currently call Victoria home, Derek grew up in the Toronto Area and also spent some time living in a religious commune in Switzerland. Alexandra is fascinated by peoples' diverse and idiosyncratic relationships with the transcendent, and is always eager to explore the sacred practices and places that serve as bridges to fullness.

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Alex Benacquista

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Empty Gate Zen Center

Berkeley
,  
United States

The center was founded in 1977 by Zen Master Seung Sahn, the great Korean Zen Master who first came to the U.S. in 1972. With a more modern approach to Buddhism the center's purpose is providing formal zen practice to a diverse group of people. The center is currently located in Berkeley California, with two more branches located in Santa Clara and Boise, Idaho.

Tradition & Practice
Buddhism
Zen
Kind of Place
Center