Clouds in Water Zen Center

Our mission: To awaken the heart of great wisdom and compassion

Clouds in Water Zen Center is a vibrant sangha in the Sōtō Zen Buddhist lineage of Dainin Katagiri. Our mission is to relieve the suffering of all beings and end cycles of oppression by providing meditation, classes, talks, affinity groups, and retreats through the lens of Sōtō Zen Buddhism and social justice; we welcome people of all backgrounds and faiths.

We are geographically located at 445 Farrington Street in St. Paul and virtually located wherever you are via Zoom. We invite everyone to join us, from the curious beginner to the seasoned practitioner.  (To find  Zoom links, visit  cloudsinwater.org). We thank you for giving whatever you can give with a joyful heart. Please be assured that we will steward it in the service of all beings.

We wish you ease and care as we move forward together in these difficult times. 

This year, our annual Fall Appeal is Give to the Max Day!

Does this sound like you?

“In the morning, I log on to social media and I feel heavy, isolated and fearful.” Ann, a member 

This is where Clouds in Water comes in!

What We Do:

Participants like Ann come to Clouds in Water Zen Center to meditate and meet with others. At Clouds in Water, we have:

• Teachers to guide you through zazen, which is meditation that helps you learn to be present with yourself and what’s arising in every moment

• Affinity cohorts like our Queer Group and BIPOC group

• Opportunities to get involved with social justice

• Support for policy initiatives that promote human rights

• History and teachings of Buddhism

• Listen to one of our recent Dharma Talks: "Build. Block. Be." by Myoshin Diane Benjamin, to get a taste of some of our teachings.

Clouds in Water teaches you how to find stability in your heart and mind, so that you can care for the suffering of others as well. We practice so that we may meet what arises, right here, right now!

"I truly believe that Clouds in Water provides me with the spiritual nourishment to go on in this difficult world where we are living.” Ann

At Clouds in Water, everyone is welcome – no one is turned away for lack of funds. 

How can Clouds in Water do all this?

To help us continue, we need to raise $30,000 this Give to the Max Day. The best part is that we will have a dollar for dollar match for the first $15,000 we raise!

Can you donate and help us reach our goal?

Your donation will cover expenses like: 

• Paying teachers,

• Our mortgage,

• Our electrical bills

• Our Zoom account 

With the way the world is today, we need to help ourselves find refuge so that we can provide refuge to other.

The main idea behind Buddhism is to help everyone be liberated from suffering. We can do that with your help!

Don’t forget that we have a $15,000 match from our Board of Directors, our teachers, our priests, St. Paul Foundation, and an anonymous donor.

Thank you very much—we bow to you in gratitude!