Clear Water Zen Center Schedule

Sunday Morning, Formal Zazen Meditation

The Clear Water Zen Center is open every Sunday at 9:30 A.M. The program is different every week.

If this is your first visit please call ahead to make arrangements. (727) 430-5002.

First Sunday of each month: A first sitting meditation of 35 minutes is followed by a few minutes of walking meditation known as kinhin and a second sitting of 35 minutes. A chanting program follows the second sitting.

Second Sunday of each month: A first sitting meditation of 35 minutes is followed by a few minutes of walking meditation known as kinhin and a second round of sitting meditation of 35 minutes. A dharma talk by Ken Rosen, the founder of the group and the senior student of Sensei Lawson Sachter, follows the second sitting.

Third Sunday of each month: A first sitting meditation of 45 minutes is followed by a few minutes of walking meditation known as kinhin. Due to the length of the first sitting, a bell is sounded at the midway point so that participants can stand and stretch or simply adjust their sitting posture. A Beginner's Class begins after the first sitting. It includes an introductory talk by Mr. Rosen, a 20 minute sitting, kinhin, a question and answer period, a second 20 minute sitting, and a second question and answer period.

Fourth Sunday of each month: Three rounds of sitting meditation of 35 minutes each, with kinhin following each sitting. During any sitting, participants may quietly leave their sitting cushion and go to a separate room of the Zen Center for private and confidential consultation with Mr. Rosen concerning matters of practice.

On rare fifth Sundays, there are three rounds of sitting meditation of 35 minutes each, with a kinhin following each sitting.

Every Sunday practice session ends at 11:30 and is followed by an informal social gathering with tea, coffee, and snacks.

Monday Evening, Open Meditation 

On Mondays the Clear Water Zen Center will be open from 7:00 to 8:00 PM for open meditation. The inkin bell will sound every twenty minutes, and everyone is welcome to sit as long as they’d like; 20 minutes, 40 minutes, or the full hour. We are not planning on offering instruction; just another opportunity for experienced members of our sangha to practice together. If you are new and haven’t meditated before, we would encourage you to attend “Beginner’s Night” on Wednesday evening first. 

Wednesday Evening, Beginning Meditation

On Wednesday we offer a Beginning Meditation Class from 7:00-8:00 PM. A great introduction for those starting out with meditation practice, and an opportunity for more experienced practitioners to meditate with their sangha mid-week. We do two rounds of seated meditation (about 15 minutes each), separated by a round of walking meditation. Basic meditation instruction is offered. We practice a form of meditation known as counting the breath, where you breathe naturally and count each exhalation as it happens, focusing your mind exclusively upon your breath. When you reach the number ten, return to one. If you daydream and forget what number comes next, simply go back to one, without self judgment or self criticism. Visitors are encouraged to show up a bit early to get oriented to the Center and the practice, and to wear clothing which is comfortable, muted, and plain so as not to visually distract others. While we are a Zen Buddhist group, we welcome individuals from all faiths (or no faith at all).

All day Saturday Meditation

The Center is open on some Saturdays for zazenkai; a day long meditative retreat. Please check our "News" page for info on special events, workshops, and retreats. We encourage everyone to RSVP for all events.

If you would like more information, email us at or call Ken: (727) 430-5002 if you have any questions.