Empty Gate Zen Center

Empty Gate Zen Center provides Zen meditation instruction in Berkeley, Santa Clara, and Boise Our practice also includes Kong-An (Koan) training.

Our practice forms are based on the traditions of Korean Son (Zen) practice. In the mornings we include 108 prostrations, a Korean tradition, which is both energetic and meditative. Our chanting has a unique character, using sounds and melodies from the Sino-Korean tradition. Our formal Zen sitting style will be familiar to anyone who has learned Zen or Vipassana meditation in most forms. We recog

06/09/2026

"We create our reality..."

Integrating Zen Into Everyday Life | Zen Master Bon Soeng

06/04/2026

In this video, Zen Master Bon Soeng explores why Zen practice is not about escaping life's challenges or achieving spiritual perfection, but about bringing awareness, sincerity, and presence into each moment of everyday life.

Integrating Zen Into Everyday Life | Zen Master Bon Soeng In this video, Zen Master Bon Soeng explores why Zen practice is no...

06/02/2026

"Wisdom comes from clarity..."

05/19/2026

"The more we let go of attachment to self..."

When You Realize You’re Making It Worse | Zen Practice in Daily Life

05/13/2026

In this video, Zen Master Bon Soeng talks about how Zen practice helps us recognize our own reactivity, step out of anger and defensiveness, and return to openness, connection, and peace.

When You Realize You’re Making It Worse | Zen Practice in Daily Life In this video, Zen Master Bon Soeng talks about how Zen practice helps us recognize our own reactivity, step out of anger and defensiveness, and return to op...

05/06/2026

In this video, Zen Master Bon Soeng emphasized the importance of observing one's thoughts and experiences without judgment, using meditation as a tool to understand oneself better.

Every Moment Reveals Who You Are In this video, Zen Master Bon Soeng emphasized the importance of observing one's thoughts and experiences without judgment, using meditation as a tool to und...

04/29/2026

In this video, Zen Master Bon Soeng shares Zen Master Seung Sahn’s teaching, “Only Go Straight — Don’t Know.” He explains how this practice cultivates a beginner’s mind, helping us let go of fixed ideas and meet each moment with clarity and openness.

Empty Gate Zen Center 1 like. "Only Go Straight Don't Know? Here's What It Really Means"

04/28/2026

"Return to the practice, come back to this moment..."

04/24/2026

In this video, Marshall White JDPSN talks about how presence and attention can awaken connection, ease anxiety, and reveal the quiet, living reality beneath our thoughts—even in life’s most vulnerable moments.

Empty Gate Zen Center 11 likes, 1 comment. "How to Stay Present in Difficult Moments"