zen students zazen

INTRODUCTION TO ZEN MEDITATION
with Assistant Teacher Cathy Crouch
  • First* Wednesday Evening
  • A brief and friendly introduction to meditation at Zen Center. See also the 5–week series taught by the Abbot.
  • 6:30–7:45 pm Introduction to Zen Sitting
  • *In December, the Introduction takes place on the Second Wednesday.
picture of Gaelyn Godwin and Sojun Mel Weitsman at Houston Zen Center

PRACTICE

We use the word practice to refer to meditation and meditative activity. To practice Zen is, first, to meditate – we practice sitting and walking meditation. The main practice times are in the morning and afternoon during the week. On Saturday, our main community day, we start with the practice of Morning Service. This is followed by meditation, then work practice, (also known as soji in Japanese), which involves mindful cleaning and straightening in the Meditation Hall (zendo) and the Center’s grounds. Then there is a dharma talk. The word dharma means in this case Zen teachings, or the teachings of Buddha. It could be translated as Zen sermon. You are welcome to attend some or all of the Saturday program. When you arrive, you may ask for the Ino, the head of the meditation hall, who will assist you, or you can explore on your own.

MAY
DHARMA TALKS

9:45 AM

LOUISE Hokyo DREYFUS

Therapist,
Lay Entrusted Dharma Teacher
Co–leader of EPP Program
Saturday, May 4

GAELYN SETSUAN GODWIN, Sensei

Abbot of HZC
Saturday, May 11

TRICIA Sengetsu McFARLIN

Vice–President of HZC,
Teacher & Membership Director
Saturday, May 18

REV. KORIN CHARLIE POKORNY

Director of Soto Zen Buddhist Association,
Parent & Teacher
Saturday, May 25

JUNE
DHARMA TALKS

9:45 AM

MATT Koun BROWNLIE

Parent, Lay–ordained HZC
Zen practitioner, Musician
Saturday, June 1

GAELYN SETSUAN GODWIN, Sensei

Abbot of HZC
Today is Soji Day: a day of Zen Center work/practice together, led by the Work Leaders and Abbot. 8:00 – 11:30 am
Dharma talk at the usual time.
Saturday, June 8

JUDY ROITMAN,
Zen Master Bon Hae
Kwan Um School of Zen

Member of the American Zen Teachers Association
Saturday, June 15

TIM PEACEFUL FOREST SCHORRE

Shuso/Head Practitioner of HZC, Parent & Architect
Saturday, June 22

REV. LINDA GALIJAN

Director of Tassajara Zen Mountain Center
Saturday, June 29