Contemporary Zen practice and inquiry.

Appamada is a lay Zen community in Austin, TX. Our doors are open to everyone. No experience necessary.

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT APPAMADA →


Join us!

All programs are open to everyone. We site together onsite at 913 E. 38th St. and online via Zoom.

WEEKLY PRACTICE


Morning Zazen
(Onsite & Online)

Mon - Fri, 6:30-7:45 AM

Orientation
(Onsite & Online)

Sun., 8:00 - 8:45 AM

Sunday Zazen
(Onsite & Online)

Sun.,9:00 - 9:30 AM
9:40 - 10:10 AM

Dharma Talk
(Onsite & Online)

Sun., 10:20 - 11:10 AM

Evening Sit
(Onsite only)

Weds., 6:30 - 8:00 PM

COMING UP


Appamada Spring 2026 Integrated Intensive

Dates: Sunday, April 26–Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
Location: On-site at Appamada and Online (Hybrid)
Teachers: Peg Syverson & Joel Barna with Flint Sparks

‍ ‍Register

Book Launch | Not Two: The Appamada Story

Dates: Sunday, May 3, 2:00–4:00 PM
Location: KMFA, 41 Navasota St., Austin 78702

‍ ‍More Info & RSVP


You're welcome here, just as you are.

You don't need any experience with meditation or Buddhism to walk through our doors. People come to Zen practice for many reasons — to find stillness, to understand themselves more clearly, or simply because something called them here. All of those reasons are good ones.

1
Come to Sunday orientation
8:00 AM, every Sunday — onsite or online. A brief, friendly introduction to how practice unfolds here.
2
Stay for zazen and dharma talk
Zazen at 9:00 AM, followed by a dharma talk at 10:20. We'll show you everything you need to know.
3
Find your rhythm
Morning sits, evening sits, classes, intensives — there are many ways to practice. Go at your own pace.