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Chung Tai Zen Center of Sunnyvale invites everyone to the Beginner's Zen Meditation and Buddhism course!
Drop-in guided meditation most Fridays at 7:25pm, all are welcome!
We offer Zen Meditation and Buddhism courses throughout the year (Separate classes in English, in Chinese, and for Family/Children) : Register Here
This free 20-week long sequential class is great for newcomers as well as those experienced with meditation and Buddhism, as it goes further in depth and is a prerequisite for more advanced courses. The class is led by fully ordained Buddhist nuns, and includes guided meditation as well as a lecture and Q&A.
Beginning Chan Meditation and Fundamental Concepts of Buddhism
The meditation portion of the class teaches breath-counting, mindfulness of the breath, and middle way reality. The lecture topics include the introduction to Buddhism and Chan (Zen), Karma and causality, the Four Noble Truths, Three Refuges and Five Precepts.
Ten weekly classes are offered at the Zen Center, including beginner's and advanced meditation courses, and separate classes are offered in Chinese and for children.
Chung Tai Zen Center of Sunnyvale is one of the branch temples of Chung Tai Chan Monastery in Taiwan, a leading center for Mahayana Buddhism and Zen (Chan). Activities offered include meditation classes and retreats, Chinese Buddhist Sunday services (ceremonies), vegetarian cooking classes, and more. Zen Buddhism teaches people how to attain inner peace and uncover the inherent wisdom within all of us. People of all backgrounds are welcome to discover Zen meditation at the Chung Tai Zen Center of Sunnyvale, nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley / South Bay. All activities are offered at no charge.
Buddha Gate Monastery (buddhagate.org) is the sister temple in East Bay (Lafayette) and also offers meditation groups and classes.
This unofficial meetup group is run by [SFZen.org](https://www.sfzen.org/) and lay supporters and friends of Chung Tai Zen Center; please visit www.sunnyvale.ctzen.org for official updates.
#buddhism #zen #meditation #mindfulness #free #course #chinese #temple #buddhist #sunnyvale
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Zen Meditation and Buddhism Course at Chung Tai Zen Center of SunnyvaleChung Tai Zen Center of Sunnyvale, Sunnyvale, CA
Everyone is invited to the Chan Meditation and Fundamentals of Buddhism class at Chung Tai Zen Center of Sunnyvale!
This 20-week long sequential course includes guided meditation sessions as well as a lecture and Q&A from fully ordained Buddhist nuns.- In English is Wednesdays at 7:30pm starting July 9, 2025
Please register directly with the Zen Center hereMore info on the website:
https://sunnyvale.ctzen.org/wiki/classes/class-schedule/Entrance is on Arques Ave, facing the fire station.
- In Chinese separately【太谷精舍】 2025年 新學期禪修班 準備開課囉
- For Children on Saturday evenings at 7pmThe same courses are also offered at the sister center, Buddha Gate Monastery in East Bay - Lafayette. (https://buddhagate.org/)
All events are offered at no charge.
More detailed course information:
### Meditation & Zen Buddhism Classes
Each class meets for two hours and consists of meditation practice (guided with instruction and quiet sitting time) in the first hour, and a lecture on Buddhist principles in the second hour.
### Level I: Beginning Chan Meditation and Fundamental Concepts of Buddhism
The meditation portion of the class teaches breath-counting, mindfulness of the breath, and middle way reality. The lecture topics include the introduction to Buddhism and Chan(Zen), Karma and causality, the Four Noble Truths, Three Refuges and Five Precepts.
Prerequisite: One Stick of Incense experience is recommended.### Level II：Chan Meditation & Intermediate Buddhist Contemplation and Practices
The meditation portion builds on the previous methods and includes compassion contemplation. The lecture topics include the Ten Dharma Realms, Bodhisattva ideal, the six paramitas; the perfection of charity, morality, tolerance, diligence, meditation, and prajna wisdom.
Prerequisites: Completion of Level 1 Beginning Chan Meditation Class required.### Level III：Chan Meditation & Advanced Buddhist Contemplation and Practices
The meditation portion builds on the Level 1 & 2 methods and includes the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. The lecture topics include the Ten Dharma Realms, Twelve Links of Interdependence, Four Foundations of Mindfulness, The Four Great Vows, and Four Ways of Bodhisattva Fellowship.
Prerequisites: Completion of Level 1 & Level 2 Classes required.### Chan Meditation & Sutra Study
The meditation portion includes previous and additional meditation methods. The topics are from selected Buddhist scriptures such as The Sutra of Forty-Two Chapters, The Eight Realization of Great Beings, The Sutra of Impermanence, and The Essence of Mahayana Practice, etc.
Prerequisites: Completion of Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Classes required### Bodhi Garden Meditation Class
Class designed for Parents with children/youth ages 4-14 to discover their inner wisdom and develop a positive outlook on life. The creatively designed curriculum includes meditation instructions, Dharma talks, Zen stories, character-building activities, and more. Students learn to sharpen their awareness and concentration and to appreciate the gifts of this world.
About Chung Tai Zen Center of Sunnyvale:
This tranquil meditation center in the heart of Silicon Valley is part of Chung Tai Chan Monastery, one of the largest Zen organizations in the world with the parent temple in Taiwan. Led by highly trained monastics who dedicate their life to Buddhist practice, classes at the Zen Center offer a unique opportunity to learn from qualified monks and nuns and for people to experience the refreshing viewpoint of Zen.Chung Tai Zen Center of Sunnyvale
https://sunnyvale.ctzen.org/
750 East Arques Ave, Sunnyvale CA 94085
