SZ
Sweetwater Zen Center
A welcoming sanctuary for Zen meditation, teachings, and community in National City.
4.8
School
$$
A welcoming sanctuary for Zen meditation, teachings, and community in National City.
Sweetwater Zen Center offers a peaceful environment for Zen practice, meditation, and spiritual growth in National City, CA. This community provides Sunday services with chanting, meditation, and talks, along with retreats (sesshin), one-on-one coaching, and introductory classes. The center is known for its supportive atmosphere, experienced guidance from the Abbot and senior practitioners, and a beautiful zendo space that fosters personal peace and mindfulness. It welcomes both beginners and seasoned practitioners seeking wisdom and connection in everyday life.
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Introduction to Zen meditation with chanting, talks, and guidance for beginners and all levels.
Regular sitting meditation practices in a serene zendo, including Friday evening sessions for drop-ins.
Immersive retreats featuring meditation, mindful eating, work practice (samu), and insightful talks.
Personalized meditation guidance from the Abbot or senior practitioners to support your practice.
Welcoming gatherings and services that foster connection, support, and shared wisdom in a loving environment.
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Overall rating
Jei Collier
I’ve been a part of this community as a resident for a couple years now. The teachings here have helped me find a lot of personal peace, and the community is very loving and supportive.
Vee M
honestly my favorite place in southern california. the people are so welcoming and the atmosphere is so pleasant. ❤️
Peter Innes
Sweetwater Zen Center was there for me when I needed to go though a tough time. I started going to the Sunday service to chant, meditate and listen to a talk. The Abbot and Senior students talk about themes that have a lot to do with Zen, wisdom and ordinary life. Retreats or "sesshin" have sitting meditation, mindful eating, work practice [samu] and talks. You can have one on one coaching for your meditation practice with the Abbot herself or with senior practitioners. If you want an introduction to how we meditate and practice, come over on a Sunday at 10:00 for the introduction to Zen meditation class.
Greg M (pounce)
I practice in one of the Nichiren schools, and knowing relatively little about Zen practices, I was in San Diego for a few days and stopped by for friday evening zazen before my flight. The group welcomed me cordially, briefed me on the desired technique and we went to it. The zendo is a beautiful space and the ever-changing urban soundscape with the birds and the neighbors was a treat. It was a great preparation for the long flight home which was uneventful. Many thanks szc, I'll certainly swing by again next time I'm in town.
Edward Little
I've never heard of Sweetwater until I accidentally ran across it skimming through the Internet. However, I did know Maezumi Roshi, having sat with hm frequently at LA Zen Center many, many years ago. I clearly remember speaking with him during session and he asked how it was going. I replied, "Everything is good except for the pain in my legs." His response was, "Pain? You want to talk about Pain? Try sitting, unable to move, having to let your water out drop by drop so that your robes absorb it without anyone noticing. Now, that's Pain!" At that moment, I realized how enlightened and deeply human he was. A Transformational moment.
