Katto Laura's 2026 Sit-a-thon

Welcome to our Sit-a-thon

Just as runners gather for a marathon or walk for a cause, we are inviting practitioners and supporters to sit for a cause. Through meditation, we embody the values we want to see in the world—compassion, steadiness, and presence.

And through community support, we sustain a spiritual home where people can practice together.

We have a matching grant opportunity of $500 each for people who are setting up pledge pages for the first time. This means that donations you receive on your page will be matched dollar for dollar up to the first $500!

Our goal is $50,000. Thanks to generous donors, we have a dollar for dollar match for every dollar raised during the Sit-a-thon.

Meditation reaches far beyond the meditation hall. When we sit together, we cultivate:

• Peace in a restless world

• Compassion for ourselves and others

• Wisdom that guides our actions

• Community rooted in care and belonging

Our Goal

Together, we are raising $50,000 to support the programs and operations of Clouds in Water Zen Center.

Your donation helps sustain:

• Meditation instruction and Dharma teachings

• Community practice opportunities

• Interfaith and community partnerships

• A welcoming refuge for spiritual practice in our city

• The next generation of practitioners and teachers

Every gift helps keep the doors open for anyone seeking stillness, wisdom, and belonging.

About Clouds in Water
Clouds in Water Zen Center is a vibrant urban community in the Soto Zen Buddhist tradition dedicated to awakening the heart of great wisdom and compassion. Located in the Frogtown neighborhood of Saint Paul, we welcome people of all backgrounds and faiths. As a non-profit organization, we operate primarily on donations and no one is turned away for lack of funds for any of our classes, retreats, or events. 

About Me and Why I'm Sitting in the Sit-a-Thon  

Clouds in Water is a spiritual home for me where in many ways I have grown up. I received priest training here and incidental training in how to be a human being. And while I am still growing, learning, and healing (I think Buddhist practices are good medicine) I have realized that the "something real and true" that I had been searching for has always been present in everything, everyone and in my life. At Clouds, I can practice letting it shine. And even better, I can practice with people who also want to shine and help others in the many ways the world needs right now.

As is the case with any home, this one needs to be maintained and requires finances to do so, it is with a grateful heart that I ask for support in keeping a good thing going.

I pledge to participate in the sit-a-thon for six hours meditating and attending the Sunday morning service.

 As Buddhists, when we sit, we actually sit with and for ALL beings. I know of no other practice that can meet the many kinds of suffering with such grace, resilience, courage, and tenderness. 

You can learn more about our work on our website - and feel free to email me with any questions you have at katto@cloudsinwater.org.

🙏  May you be happy, healthy, safe, and at ease in 2026 and beyond!