Zen Center - Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz Zen Center, established in 1971 with the guidance of Kobun Chino-Roshi and his dedicated students, has grown under the leadership of the current Abbot, Katherine Thanas. Katherine brought over 20 years of experience from the San Francisco Zen Center to her role, fostering a deep and enduring practice among her members.

The center's mission is to embody and express the teachings of Buddha, with a particular focus on the non-duality of compassion and wisdom, as well as practice and realization, which are central tenets of the Soto School of Zen Buddhism. Daily meditations, weekly lectures, various classes, workshops, and retreats ranging from one to seven days are organized to integrate Zen practice into the complexities of everyday life.

Located on School Street, the center is not just a steward of this modern space but also a guest in an area with a profound historical significance. Originally part of the 12th California Mission complex, founded by the Franciscans in 1791, the area was once home to the Ohlone tribes. The local Ohlone population suffered greatly after the establishment of the mission, with many succumbing to diseases brought by European settlers.

The site has yielded several archaeological findings that highlight its rich past. Artifacts found during the 2003 excavations for the current Zendo foundation include repurposed roof tiles from mission structures, discarded clam and mussel shells, and remnants of a basin and trough possibly linked to a laundry facility. These findings connect the site not only to its Native American and mission-era pasts but also to the history of Santa Cruz's Chinatowns, with the current Zendo building possibly relocated from one of these communities around 1898.

The Santa Cruz Zen Center serves as a beacon of spiritual practice and historical awareness. It honors its role as a space of Zen Buddhist teaching while recognizing and respecting the layered histories of its location. This unique blend of spiritual and historical dedication makes the center a significant institution in both the local community and broader Zen Buddhist circles.