Compassionate Ocean Zen Center is dedicated to the central practice of awakening for the benefit of all. The activities of the Center cultivate awareness of the essential beauty and dignity of life coming from full engagement with life-as-it-is.
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Compassionate Ocean Zen Center is named after Jikai Dainin Katagiri Roshi, the root teacher of Joen and Michael Genpo O’Neal. Jikai (Compassionate Ocean) refers to reality itself, which always holds us and bathes us with compassion. Even in times of great suffering, we are held in the great ocean of Buddha’s compassion.
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The Center offers programs in Zen practice and study. We also offer the nationally-acclaimed Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program quarterly.
Spring 2026 Calendar
​​​​Meditation
Weekday Morning Meditation
Monday–Friday, 7:00–8:00 a.m.​​​​​
Sunday Meditation & Dharma Talk
Sundays, 9:00–11:00 a.m.​​​​​​​​
​Classes
Introduction to Zen Practice Mini-Course
March 2 – March 9​​
May 4 – May 11
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
March 31 – May 19​​
Buddhist Studies
Topic: The Heart Sutra
April 1 – May 20​​​​​​
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Retreats (Sesshin)​​​​
Weekend Sesshin at Compassionate Ocean
Friday, March 27 – Sunday, March 29
Weekend Sesshin at Compassionate Ocean
Friday, April 17 – Sunday, April 19
Weekend Sesshin at Compassionate Ocean
Friday, June 5 – Sunday, June 7
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Special Events
Welcome Session for New People
Sunday, March 1
Sunday, April 12
Annual Meeting
Sunday, May 3​
Art-A-Whirl Open House
May 15 - May 17​
Upcoming Courses
Buddhist Studies
Spring Topic: The Heart Sutra
Spring 2026
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This course is being offered in-person at the Center, with an option for remote participation via Zoom if requested.
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Wednesdays, Apr. 1 – May 20
7:00–9:00 P.M.
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Classes consist of zazen (sitting meditation), instructor presentation & discussion.
Other Practice Opportunities
Retreats (Sesshin)
In-Person
Pre-Registration Required
​​​​Retreat at Compassionate Ocean (Cancelled)
​​​​Friday, Jan. 23, 7:00 P.M. – Sunday, Jan. 25, 12:00 P.M.
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Retreat at Compassionate Ocean
​​​​Friday, Feb. 27, 7:00 P.M. – Sunday, Mar. 1, 12:00 P.M.​
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Retreat at Compassionate Ocean
​​​​Friday, Mar. 27, 7:00 P.M. – Sunday, Mar. 29, 12:00 P.M.​