GBZC has restarted its (long dormant) podcast series. Julie Nelson’s October 20, 2026 talk on “What is an Adjunct Teacher?” is now available. Exploring what is mean by an “Adjunct Teacher” is important not only for members of GBZC (where this novel position has recently been created and filled), but also as a development in the evolution of Zen in Western convert sanghas more generally.
Category Archives: Featured Events
Book Group: For Aging Zen Learners
Of course we are all aging, and at the same pace! Yet the reality of this often becomes more noticeable at midlife or later. This group is for anyone who wants to explore with others how we may be fully present in this process, drawing on resources from the Zen tradition.
On October 20, 2026 we started discussing Turning Suffering Inside Out: A Zen Approach to Living with Physical and Emotional Pain by Darlene Cohen. This book should be of interest to people of any age who are living with pain or loss! We meet on the third Tuesday of every month from 9-10 am. For more information, the schedule, and the zoom link, see this instructions document. It’s okay to join even if you’ve missed a few sessions, or know you will miss a few!
Questions? Email julie@bostonzen.org.
Note: Thesaurus.com suggests synonyms for “aging” that include “maturing,” “fermenting,” “mellowing,” “crumbling,” and “developing”! 
Take your pick, or embrace them all!
Precepts Discussion Group
The Precepts of Skillful Action are the core Zen ethical teachings They are the heart of what it means to practice Zen off the cushion—and their study is an endlessly rich, ever-unfolding practice.
This study is open to all, whether you are just curious, intending to participate in a future formal ceremony of “receiving the precepts,” or have attended before and just want to discuss the precepts again.
We offer 12-week cycles of this discussion group a few times a year as there is sufficient interest. The next cycle will likely take place in early 2027. Each meeting is on zoom and lasts 45 minutes. The dates, day, and time are decided depending on people’s availability. Here is the information document that describes the schedule and the readings from the most recent cycle that took place during August – October 2026. Email precepts@bostonzen.org if you are interested in participating in a future cycle.
It is fine to miss a class due to other commitments. If you are preparing for the ceremony, you may make up classes in the next cycle. There is no set fee, but donations are gratefully accepted.
Watch the GBZC Newsletter (subscribe here) for announcements of future cycles.
Email precepts@bostonzen.org to enroll or for more information.