Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect on a visit

Jikoji Zen Center is located in the the Santa Cruz mountains, 9 miles outside of Saratoga. We are here to practice the Dharma and offer it as a place of refuge. As we have grown, we have become home to a variety of communities. We often are in intensive periods of meditation or sharing the grounds with outside groups. Other times, we are simply enjoying our daily life amongst the natural world and appreciating sunsets on the ridge.  You are welcome to join us!

Where are you located?

Our street address is located at 12100 Skyline Blvd. (map)

Should I let you know I’m coming?

It’s nice to know if you are coming so we can be sure to greet you on your arrival.  On the other hand, we're Zen people so we get spontaneity so feel free to join us any time.  

What do I do when I arrive?

There is a bell located on the right side of the welcome kiosk.  Please ring the bell upon your arrival so that we may greet you.

Is it okay to move during meditation or to get up and leave during a meditation period?

Discomfort can arise in trying to sit in stillness. Use your own judgment in deciding to move or even leave the zendo.

I think I might need some help.

If you haven’t meditated before, you are curious about Zen forms, or just have some questions you would like to ask, we will be happy to teach you the basic skills.  Orientation typically takes place during the first period of meditation on Sunday mornings at 10:00 and when requested.  Also, if you are staying overnight and are new to the practice, the residents of Jikoji are always available to offer instruction.  To request an orientation, click here.

What opportunities are there to practice Zen meditation with others?

The main event at Jikoji is the Sunday Program.

In the mornings, we sit at 7:00am - Monday thru Friday

In the evenings, we sit at 7:00pm - Monday thru Thursday

What happens on Sundays?

You are invited to attend, all, part, or portions of our Sunday Program.

10:00 a.m. Sitting Meditation
10:40 Walking Meditation
10:50 Sitting Meditation
11:30 Service
11:40 Talk
12:30 Social Lunch
2:00 pm Workshops or Discussion

Do I have to be a “Buddhist?”

Buddhism is practice oriented rather then ideological.  It is about meditating and changing our approach to the life we are living.  Since Zen does not concern itself with beliefs about where we came from or where we are going, it is perfectly compatible with other religions.  While some identify as Buddhists, others just follow this contemplative practice without the need to name it.  

I meditate and would like to meditate with other people, but I don’t want to do Zazen

While we teach Zazen, or seated meditation in the Zen tradition, our space is open to guests from other contemplative traditions.  While we don’t have mantras, koans, or visualizations in Zen, we do respect and value these traditions.  If your practice involves sitting quietly alongside us, your presence it always welcomed in the Zendo. 

Is there a charge for Meditation?

The Sunday Program and weekday meditation periods are always freely offered.  

How do you keep the lights on? 

Through the support of people like you.  The Dana box, located near the lunch table in the community building, provides our guests and sangha members with the opportunity to offer donations to offset the cost of lunch, bring speakers to Jikoji, and keep Jikoji running on a daily basis.

Learning More

We encourage you to ask questions and seek information. Our teachers, priests, and residents have all made a commitment to help all beings in their Zen practice.

My Question remains unanswered...

For more detailed information, please explore the rest of our website, or you can ask us about anything by sending us an email.