Welcome to Middle Way Zen in San Jose, a Soto Zen meditation center in the lineage of Japanese Zen Master Shunryu Suzuki roshi. We offer daily meditation practice (zazen) every weekday. On Thursday evenings following zazen and a short service, there is a talk providing an opportunity to learn about and share the meaning of Zen practice and its relevance to our daily life.
Before visiting for the first time, we ask that you contact us first so we know to expect you.
Cornelia Junfu Shonkwiler founded Middle Way Zen in 2009 and served as the sangha's teacher until January 2022. She began study and practice at Kannon Do with her Teacher, Les Kaye roshi, in 1991. She also practiced at San Francisco Zen Center and Tassajara Zen Mountain Center. Cornelia was ordained a monk in 2000, and received dharma transmission from Les Kaye roshi in 2008.
Our center is located at 592 N. Fifth Street in San Jose, California, near the corner of Fifth and Jackson. It is right in the heart of Japantown, one of only three remaining Japantowns in California.
When the pandemic began, we shifted our practice to an entirely online practice. With the quieting of numbers, we are now offering zazen on Wednesday and Friday both online and in the zendo.
The practice at Middle Way Zen is supported by dana. Dana, or voluntary contributions, is an ancient form of supporting a temple. You are encouraged to help continue the practice at this temple through your support in whatever amount you feel is appropriate.
Middle Way Zen is a nonprofit 501(c)3. Your donations in support are tax-deductible.