The Open Heart Zen Group (OHZG) began on the first Wednesday in January of 2010. We are a group unified around "zen"--or what the famous Japanese Zen Master Suzuki Roshi calls "beginer's mind"--as a wonderfully simple practice of discovery. When we practice beginner's mind together our lives "beyond the cushion" become more spacious and we notice a deeper connection to all beings. In this way, sangha is more than a "meditation group," it is place for developing wisdom and cultivating deep compassion.

Sharing words from our always growing sangha:

"Together we become aware and let go of a greedy, arrogant, jealous, hateful and suspicious mind. We are more content and appreciate simplicity, joy and find peace in our hearts." -Pei-Li Chu

"I look forward to Wednesday nights as a highlight of my week. When I am seated in the circle with everyone, meditating or simply relaxing I feel a sense of unity and peace, seemingly like I have several soul mates during those moments whose goals are similar no matter what their circumstances. I wouldn’t say our purpose is based on social interaction but I would be honored to be associated with any one of these individuals because meditation has taught me that we are all more similar than not and we are certainly equals in every way. So, thank you Ben for leading me on this fabulous journey and thank you to the rest of the sangha for helping me with meditation itself and for the gift of feeling more comfortable in my own skin than I have ever felt. I am looking forward to countless more discoveries in the future." -Shelly Parker

"Meditation and mindfulness are the best things we can do for ourselves and everyone in the world. We will continue to become wiser and more caring people. Wisdom and inner peace are one. This is why I will always meditate and try to live in the here and now (just as in this photo I took below)." -Don Wood