Sweetwater Zen Center

Sweetwater Zen Center is a serene village masked by the noisy city.
Located at the intersection of 28^th and Highland, I’d never noticed this place until I walked through it and began talking to the friendly tenants.
I sat in on the Introduction to Zen course this morning. There were two other new comers and an instructor. We were taught three different forms of meditation and talked with each other but spent most of the time laughing. I recommend wearing loose fitting/​baggy clothes so the sitting can be most comfortable. Also, do not bring cell phones or anything else unnecessary.
The whole acre of land is very pretty. They’ve been on this spot since 2000, maintaining a garden and even solar panels in plans. One of their goals is to get off the grid.
I also attended the Dharma Talk, led by an ordained Roshi. She began with a koan, then talked about enjoying life and letting go.
There is a membership available. The fees are as high as according to what you can afford, but normal is $ 50 per month. Or you can always donate. Membership helps keep the community alive but also gives you access to Sesshin courses (very long and enduring meditation periods which last for days, weeks, sometimes months). Also, there are many other classes through out the year. If you do not want to deal in money, than it’s possible to work for the center for a few hours a month: gardening, cleaning, maintenance, administration.
I was so excited to find this place that I almost cried with silly happiness. I had no idea there was a zen center in the southbay. Sitting in meditation with a group is a great dynamic that anyone can benefit from. Especially if you have trouble meditating on your own.
Meditation hours change throughout the year. Check website.