Clouds in Water Zen Center

Gazing at the Clouds in Water Zen Center, have you ever wondered about its origins? This urban sanctuary, nestled in the heart of St. Paul, Minnesota, at 445 Farrington Street, holds a rich history. Clouds in Water Zen Center traces its roots back to Dainin Katagiri Roshi, a Soto Zen monk who arrived from Japan in the early 1960s. Katagiri Roshi first collaborated with Shunryu Suzuki Roshi at the San Francisco Zen Center. Then, in 1972, he embarked on a new chapter, founding the Minnesota Zen Meditation Center. The Clouds in Water community initially blossomed in Minneapolis. They held gatherings in homes and shared spaces. One such space was the First Unitarian Society. From 1998 to 2015, they found a home in the Northern Warehouse building in Lowertown St. Paul. The sangha thrived, eager to learn and practice the Buddha’s teachings. Volunteers poured their hearts into the center. This communal effort became the lifeblood of Clouds in Water Zen Center. With the arrival of the St. Paul Saints stadium and light rail, the center faced a turning point. The board decided to secure a permanent home. They purchased their current building at 445 Farrington Street in the historic Rondo neighborhood. The move happened in April 2015. Clouds in Water Zen Center has continued to flourish in this space. They offer a range of programs, including classes, sesshins, and ordinations. They even have a dedicated youth and family practice. Over the years, Clouds in Water Zen Center has championed social justice and engaged Buddhism. They have actively supported Indigenous and LGBTQ+ rights. They have also fostered a strong BIPOC community within their sangha. Clouds in Water Zen Center even weathered the COVID-19 pandemic. They transitioned to online offerings. They adapted and emerged stronger. Founded in 1994 by Katagiri’s dharma heir, Dosho Mike Port, the center was initially guided by him until 2004. Interim guidance was provided by Joen O’Neal and Dokai Georgesen in 2005. Then, Byakuren Judith Ragir took the helm as Guiding Teacher in 2006. She played a pivotal role in the center’s development until 2015. Sosan Theresa Flynn then became Guiding Teacher and continues to serve in that role. Today, Clouds in Water Zen Center remains a vibrant hub for Zen practice and community. It continues to serve as a sanctuary in the Twin Cities, embracing inclusivity, justice, and the Bodhisattva path.