What we’re about
Welcome to the Great Cloud Sangha (Jacksonville Soto Zen Meditation Group, Inc.)
Soto Zen is one of two schools of Zen Buddhism. Our focus is on silent sitting meditation called zazen. We sit for periods of 20-25 minutes with interludes of kinhin (walking meditation) between. Please join us, whether you are exploring mindfulness or simply curious. Our group includes a few members who have practiced Zen for 2, 3 and even 4 decades, as well as beginners. Zen is compatible with faith based religions and other spiritual practices. It isn't mystical. Using pure consciousness, through meditation, we open to the essence of reality. Occasionally, we have ceremonial rituals to celebrate our 2600 year old tradition, but it is not worship. Buddha is a title given those who are awakened or enlightened as was Siddhartha Gautama, whose teachings we follow to gain insight into ourselves and this realm we call life.
If you're interested in our tradition, we are an affiliate of Mokurai - Silent Thunder Order led by Taiun Elliston-Roshi of Matsuoka-Roshi's lineage. Read about it at STO Origin and Lineage.
Our Zendo is hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Jacksonville. It is located on Arlington Exwy. You must use Arlington or Arlingwood exit to access the North Service Rd. (see Location Map.PDF) The church is shrouded by the oak trees and hardly visible from the street.
Meetings take place in the Fletcher room located in the south wing to the left of the church entrance in the last room. Signs will be posted pointing the way.
Visit our Linktree to sign up for our mailing list and interact with us across all our social platforms.
https://linktr.ee/jaxsotozen
Jacksonville Soto Zen Meditation Group, Inc. is a Florida Not For Profit Religious Corporation. You can help support us by finding us at JaxSotoZenSangha@gmail.com on both Zelle and PayPal.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Zazen Meditation Open SittingUnitarian Universalist Church of Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
Saturday afternoons we host our Open Sitting zazen meditation from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Jacksonville located at:
7405 Arlington Expy
Jacksonville, FL 32211We meet in the Fletcher room located in the south wing to the left of the church entrance in the last room. Signs will be posted pointing the way. You are also welcome to join in by way of Zoom. If you've recently joined our group, you can find our Zoom links in your MeetUp messages, but you can always message us or email us for the Zoom info if you need it.
Check our Meetup calendar for all weekly meetings and special events or contact organizer.
To get on our mailing list, email me, Bret Crews, at --
hotsuki86@gmail.comJacksonville Soto Zen Meditation Group, Inc. is a Florida Not For Profit Religious Corporation. You can help support us by finding us at JaxSotoZenSangha@gmail.com on both Zelle and PayPal.
- Zazen Meditation Open SittingUnitarian Universalist Church of Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
Saturday afternoons we host our Open Sitting zazen meditation from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Jacksonville located at:
7405 Arlington Expy
Jacksonville, FL 32211We meet in the Fletcher room located in the south wing to the left of the church entrance in the last room. Signs will be posted pointing the way. You are also welcome to join in by way of Zoom. If you've recently joined our group, you can find our Zoom links in your MeetUp messages, but you can always message us or email us for the Zoom info if you need it.
Check our Meetup calendar for all weekly meetings and special events or contact organizer.
To get on our mailing list, email me, Bret Crews, at --
hotsuki86@gmail.comJacksonville Soto Zen Meditation Group, Inc. is a Florida Not For Profit Religious Corporation. You can help support us by finding us at JaxSotoZenSangha@gmail.com on both Zelle and PayPal.
