Empty Gate Zen Center

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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 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.

How can we take care of ourselves while benefiting others? Zen Master Bon Soeng explores how Zen practice helps us move ...
10/23/2026

How can we take care of ourselves while benefiting others? Zen Master Bon Soeng explores how Zen practice helps us move beyond self-centeredness, embrace our uniqueness, and discover a more meaningful way to live.

How can we take care of ourselves while benefiting others? Zen Mast...

Join us this Saturday for a one-day Zen retreat! Register here.
10/20/2026

Join us this Saturday for a one-day Zen retreat!

Register here.

ZEN MEDITATION RETREATOctober 24th(NEW TIME) Begins Saturday 8:00am PTRetreat is a time to look inside and investigate our life. It is an opportunity to clear our mind of habitual thinking and access our wisdom and compassion. Register Here The retreat will be led by Jason Quinn JDPSN. Participant...

"Everything before it is a dream, everything after it is supposition..."
10/13/2026

"Everything before it is a dream, everything after it is supposition..."

Zen Master Bon Soeng explores how questioning our assumptions and embracing Don't Know Mind can help us see more clearly...
10/10/2026

Zen Master Bon Soeng explores how questioning our assumptions and embracing Don't Know Mind can help us see more clearly, understand others more deeply, and return to the present moment.

Zen Master Bon Soeng explores how questioning our assumptions and e...

Support The Future Of Empty Gate Zen Center.
10/07/2026

Support The Future Of Empty Gate Zen Center.

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…

"What is it that's happening in this moment?..."
10/06/2026

"What is it that's happening in this moment?..."

Zen Master Bon Soeng explores how the difficult, unwanted, and “bad” experiences in our lives can become our greatest te...
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.

Zen Master Bon Soeng explores how the difficult, unwanted, and “bad...

"If you cling to your idea or your belief, helping all beings is not possible..."
09/29/2026

"If you cling to your idea or your belief, helping all beings is not possible..."

Zen Master Bon Soeng explores Dogen’s teaching that “to study the Self is to forget the Self,” inviting us to question o...
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.

Zen Master Bon Soeng explores Dogen’s teaching that “to study the S...

"Zen is not about self-improvement..."
09/22/2026

"Zen is not about self-improvement..."

Address

2200 Parker Street
Berkeley, CA
94704

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