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
Sundays 8:30am
Daily Zazen (Seated Meditation) - visit page
Loan Library
Feel free to peruse our collection of Buddhist texts (in both English and Japanese)
Dharma Study Groups
Study groups read, discuss, and put into practice the teaching Dharma book. A study group can both be lead by the teacher or facilitated by lay people
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.
One Day Zazen Retreats
On the 3rd Saturday of the month there is a day long retreat, except months with a Mini Sesshin. The schedule is divided into two blocks, 9 am to 12 pm and 1 to 4 pm. Either block may be attended, or both. It is encouraged that all participants finish the block once they have started it. Dokusan will regularly be offered as part of the retreat. Those attending both blocks should bring a bagged lunch; the AZC will offer rice, light soup, and hot water.
Mini Sesshins
The mini sesshin is a one and a half day sesshin, all of Saturday, and Sunday morning. A sesshin schedule will be followed, a tentative schedule can be viewed here. It is a great opportunity for those who have not participated in a sesshin or those who cannot attend the sesshin. The dates of the 2013 mini sesshins are March 23 & 24, June 22 & 23, and September 21 & 22.
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.