Appamada
mindful active care
A center for contemporary Zen practice, inquiry, and study in Austin, Texas. We offer daily meditation, dharma talks, and programs for deepening practice in everyday life.
We are a center for contemporary Zen practice, inquiry, and study. Our name comes from a Pali word, "appamada," that means "mindful active care."
According to the earliest recorded teachings of the Buddha, it was a common theme in his teaching and his last word, encouraging his followers to fare forward with appamada—with energetic care. He often compared appamada to an elephant’s footprint, which is so large that it can contain the footprint of all the other animals. In the same way, the Buddha said, appamada—mindful, clear care—contains all of his other teachings.
Daily Practice
Zazen—silent, still meditation—is central to our practice. Join us onsite or online.
Morning Zazen
Silent, still meditation to begin the day.
Sunday Zazen
Followed by a Dharma Talk at 10:20 AM.
Newcomer Orientation
A brief introduction for those new to Appamada or to Zen practice.
Evening Sit
An evening gathering for sitting meditation.
What's Happening
Featured
Spring Practice Period
A dedicated stretch of time when we come together for zazen, study, and shared forms in a more intentional rhythm of practice. Join us as we explore what it means Living in Sangha—the understanding that practice was never meant to be solitary.
Register →Suzuki Roshi Book Study (Online)
6 weeks starting Tuesday, March 10, 6:00–7:00 PM. A group exploration of Suzuki Roshi’s teachings.
Register →Teachings
A growing library of teachings to support and deepen your practice—dharma talks, essays, study groups, and the ongoing story of our community.
All teachings →
Study
Structured study programs and reading groups exploring Buddhist texts and contemporary inquiry.
Recordings
Dharma talks and discussions from Appamada’s teachers, on YouTube and SoundCloud.
Writings
Essays and reflections from our teachers exploring Zen practice in contemporary life.
Not Two: The Appamada Story
Our community's story, told across a multi-part series.
New to Appamada?
You are welcome here. Our programs are open to everyone. Orientation is always optional—you're free to join any sitting or program at any time.
Sit with us
Morning zazen, Sunday sittings, and evening practice—onsite in Austin or online via Zoom.
View scheduleAttend orientation
Sundays, 8–8:50 AM. A brief introduction to how practice unfolds at Appamada.
Learn moreMeet a teacher
Private meetings are available to anyone who would like support in their practice.
Schedule a meeting913 East 38th St., Austin, TX 78705
Dana—generosity
Appamada is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit sustained entirely by the generosity of our community. Your contributions support our teachers, maintain our zendo, and keep all programs open and accessible.
Contribute →