The Anchorage Zen Community and its practice space, Uto-an, are committed to providing authentic Soto Zen Buddhist practice and teachings to all who are interested. We welcome people of any faith or background who are interested in cultivating compassion, awareness, and wisdom in their daily lives.
Our schedule includes daily zazen and chanting, regular instruction for newcomers, study groups, prison volunteer work, and dharma talks; we also hold one-day sittings, sesshin, precepts ceremonies, and more. We are a non-residential community, voluntarily maintained and supported by our members. If you have questions about the practice at Uto-an, feel free to contact us at zen@alaska-zen.org.
Zazen Instruction (Newcomers’s Night) - visit page
2nd/4th Tuesdays of the Month, 7 – 8:15 pm
Daily Zazen (Seated Meditation) - visit page
Loan Library
Feel free to peruse our collection of Buddhist texts (in both English and Japanese)
Dharma Study Group - Currently (winter/spring 2011) a group meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday evenings, 7-8:30 pm, to discuss the Buddhist precepts, using Thich Nhat Hanh’s For a Future to be Possible.
Community Potlucks
The last Sunday of every month. This is a great opportunity to invite family and friends (kids are welcome) and get to know other members. Bring a dish to share.
Dharma Talks
Sundays at 10:25 am.
Retreats (Residential and In-Town)
We hold both one-day retreats and multiple-day sesshin throughout the year. The second Saturday is often an all-day sit from 9 am to 4:40 pm. Please check our online schedule for details.
Full Moon Ceremony
We gather near the full moon to perform this ancient renewal of vow. Please check our online schedule for details.
Prison Volunteer Program
AZC volunteers make regular visits to Highland Mountain Correctional Center in Eagle River to practice zazen and discuss matters of faith and practice.
Sewing Rakusu and Okesa (Buddha Robe)
Some of our members have chosen to sew a rakusu or to help sew a kesa, both expressions of commitment to the practice and the precepts.
Dharma School- visit page
Dedicated parents and other AZC members have formed a Dharma School for 4-6 year olds.