Zazen Instruction
If you are new to Zen:
Please Contact Us to arrange a brief orientation in zazen (the Zen style of meditation), Zen liturgy and sitting hall etiquette before the day you plan to join us. Zen Meditation in Plain English by John Buksbazen is also a useful book to read before you begin.
Please Contact Us to arrange a brief orientation in zazen (the Zen style of meditation), Zen liturgy and sitting hall etiquette before the day you plan to join us. Zen Meditation in Plain English by John Buksbazen is also a useful book to read before you begin.
If you are experienced in Zen:
If you are comfortable with stillness and are familiar with meditation in the Zen tradition and with Zen liturgy--you are welcome to just show up and dive in.
If you are comfortable with stillness and are familiar with meditation in the Zen tradition and with Zen liturgy--you are welcome to just show up and dive in.
What you should bring and what you should wear:
You needn't bring anything at all except, ideally, an open mind. If you wish to bring your own meditation cushion or bench, please do so. Some chairs, cushions, and benches will be available. You needn't wear anything special, though you may wish to choose somewhat loose-fitting pants.
You needn't bring anything at all except, ideally, an open mind. If you wish to bring your own meditation cushion or bench, please do so. Some chairs, cushions, and benches will be available. You needn't wear anything special, though you may wish to choose somewhat loose-fitting pants.
Is it free?
All daily, weekly and day-long (zazenkai) practice periods are offered free of charge, although donations to Zen DownEast of any amount are gratefully received.
All daily, weekly and day-long (zazenkai) practice periods are offered free of charge, although donations to Zen DownEast of any amount are gratefully received.
How long are the sitting periods?
We sit for 25 minutes and have a 5-10 minute walking period (kinhin) between sitting periods.
We sit for 25 minutes and have a 5-10 minute walking period (kinhin) between sitting periods.