Empty Gate Zen Center
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Empty Gate Zen Center provides Zen meditation instruction in Berkeley, Santa Clara, and Boise Our practice also includes Kong-An (Koan) training.
Our practice forms are based on the traditions of Korean Son (Zen) practice. In the mornings we include 108 prostrations, a Korean tradition, which is both energetic and meditative. Our chanting has a unique character, using sounds and melodies from the Sino-Korean tradition. Our formal Zen sitting style will be familiar to anyone who has learned Zen or Vipassana meditation in most forms. We recognize the importance of posture and allow numerous sitting styles, including traditional floor styles, bench or chair sitting, and, if necessary due to medical condition, lying down meditation. We use the traditional kong-ans from the Blue Cliff Record and the Mumonkan (The Gateless Gate), plus kong-ans from Korea, and modern kong-ans taken from aspects of our everyday lives. Zen Master Bon Soeng offers Interviews with kong-an practice on most Saturday mornings and during retreats.
10/07/2026
Support The Future Of Empty Gate Zen Center.
Supporting Empty Gate Zen Center 2026 Dear Sangha and friends of Empty Gate Zen Center,Each year, we come to you asking for your financial support, and each year you have responded with great…
10/06/2026
"What is it that's happening in this moment?..."
10/02/2026
Zen Master Bon Soeng explores how the difficult, unwanted, and “bad” experiences in our lives can become our greatest teachers when we stop judging them, let go of likes and dislikes, and remain open to whatever life brings.
What If the "Bad" Things Are Your Teacher? Zen Master Bon Soeng explores how the difficult, unwanted, and “bad...
09/29/2026
"If you cling to your idea or your belief, helping all beings is not possible..."
09/25/2026
Zen Master Bon Soeng explores Dogen’s teaching that “to study the Self is to forget the Self,” inviting us to question our assumptions about who we are and discover how every moment of everyday life can become an opportunity for awakening.
What Am I? The Question That Changes Everything Zen Master Bon Soeng explores Dogen’s teaching that “to study the S...
09/22/2026
"Zen is not about self-improvement..."
09/17/2026
In this talk, Marshall White explores our endless thirst for spiritual knowledge, the pull of technology and information, and how Zen practice invites us to stop looking outside ourselves for truth and return to this body, this breath, and this moment.
09/15/2026
"For practice, set your schedule and then just do it..."
08/27/2026
In this Dharma talk, Zen Master Bon Soeng explores how observing the mind reveals the ways we create our experience and suffering—and how that understanding can open the door to greater wisdom, freedom, healing, and love.
Why Your Mind Creates Reality (And How to Change It) In this Dharma talk, Zen Master Bon Soeng explores how observing th...
08/18/2026
“Meditation means asking the question, ‘What am I?’..."
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2200 Parker Street
Berkeley, CA
94704
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