Getting Started With Empty Gate

Empty Gate Zen center offer a daily practice schedule (In-person and online), regular monthly retreats, as well as Dharma talks, and private interviews with our teachers, Zen Master Bon Soeng (Jeff Kitzes), Jason Quinn JDPSN, and Marshall White JDPSN. All of our programs are open to everyone, regardless of previous experience or background.

New To the Center?

2200 Parker St. Berkeley, CA 94704

If you are located in the Berkeley area, we warmly welcome you to our Wednesday Evening Dharma Talk. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the sangha and get a sense of our teaching style.

The evening includes a brief orientation for those new to meditation, followed by sitting meditation, chanting, and a Dharma talk. You are also welcome to join us online via Zoom. (Zoom link)

Schedule (Pacific Time):

7:00pm - Evening bell chant
   7:05pm - Orientation
   7:10pm - Sitting meditation
   7:30pm - Chanting
   7:40pm - Talk


901 N 15th St. Boise, ID 83702

If you live near Boise, Idaho, we welcome you to our Thursday Evening Dharma Talk. Newcomers who would like meditation instruction are encouraged to arrive early. The evening includes instruction, chanting meditation, sitting meditation, and a Dharma talk. You are also welcome to join us online via Zoom. (Zoom link)

Schedule: (Mountain Time)

5:45 MT: Meditation instruction
6:00pm MT: Chanting meditation
6:15pm MT: Sitting meditation
6:45pm MT: Talk

What To Bring

Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for meditation. Mats and cushions are provided at the center.

If attending in person in Berkeley, please arrive by 6:50 PM PT.

Questions before getting started? Get in touch.