Empty Gate Zen Center

Empty Gate Zen Center 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 recog

nize 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.

"Wisdom comes from clarity..."
06/02/2026

"Wisdom comes from clarity..."

"The more we let go of attachment to self..."
05/19/2026

"The more we let go of attachment to self..."

In this video, Zen Master Bon Soeng talks about how Zen practice helps us recognize our own reactivity, step out of ange...
05/13/2026

In this video, Zen Master Bon Soeng talks about how Zen practice helps us recognize our own reactivity, step out of anger and defensiveness, and return to openness, connection, and peace.

In this video, Zen Master Bon Soeng talks about how Zen practice helps us recognize our own reactivity, step out of anger and defensiveness, and return to op...

In this video, Zen Master Bon Soeng emphasized the importance of observing one's thoughts and experiences without judgme...
05/06/2026

In this video, Zen Master Bon Soeng emphasized the importance of observing one's thoughts and experiences without judgment, using meditation as a tool to understand oneself better.

In this video, Zen Master Bon Soeng emphasized the importance of observing one's thoughts and experiences without judgment, using meditation as a tool to und...

In this video, Zen Master Bon Soeng shares Zen Master Seung Sahn’s teaching, “Only Go Straight — Don’t Know.” He explain...
04/29/2026

In this video, Zen Master Bon Soeng shares Zen Master Seung Sahn’s teaching, “Only Go Straight — Don’t Know.” He explains how this practice cultivates a beginner’s mind, helping us let go of fixed ideas and meet each moment with clarity and openness.

1 like. "Only Go Straight Don't Know? Here's What It Really Means"

"Return to the practice, come back to this moment..."
04/28/2026

"Return to the practice, come back to this moment..."

In this video, Marshall White JDPSN talks about how presence and attention can awaken connection, ease anxiety, and rev...
04/24/2026

In this video, Marshall White JDPSN talks about how presence and attention can awaken connection, ease anxiety, and reveal the quiet, living reality beneath our thoughts—even in life’s most vulnerable moments.

11 likes, 1 comment. "How to Stay Present in Difficult Moments"

Join us THIS Saturday for a 1-day retreat. Register now at
04/23/2026

Join us THIS Saturday for a 1-day retreat. Register now at

"The more we stay in the dream of who we think we are..."
04/14/2026

"The more we stay in the dream of who we think we are..."

Address

2200 Parker Street
Berkeley, CA
94704

Telephone

+15108458565

Website

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