Zen at the Center

The Center is a welcoming and traditional place for Zen meditation. Morning and afternoon zazen is open Monday through Thursday. The schedule below shows the daily hours. There is a morning zazen period on Saturday also. The weekend program on Sunday includes meditation, dharma talks, care of the temple and social gatherings. Everyone is welcome to attend the meditation times in person or on Zoom through the Zoom Zendo. Weekend meditation as well as daily meditation is offered at no charge.

Classes on introductory as well as advanced Zen topics are offered throughout the year. Most classes are 5 or 6-week series at modest prices. Retreats and special events led by visiting teachers are offered throughout the year as well.

Zen emphasizes putting meditative awareness into activity. Thus, when we work together, the work itself is a meditation practice. Maintaining and expanding our grounds and garden, caring for the Center’s buildings, cooking and cleaning during the retreats, learning to play the bells and drums for service — these are some of the activities of Zen-in-action that deepen Zen practice.

Practicing together in a shared space is the essence of Zen. Many of the Center's members meditate at the Center on a daily basis while many maintain meditation practice at their homes, coming to the Center on a weekly or monthly basis: this is understood to be an extension of the shared space that we maintain together

Practice Schedule

Morning Meditation

MONDAY through THURSDAY
Zazen means sitting meditation. Everyone is welcome. You may come for the first period of zazen, or the second, or both. You can leave when walking meditation begins or ends, depending on your own schedule.

5:50 am Zazen - virtual participation via Zoom Zendo.
6:30 am Kinhin - walking
6:40 am Zazen
7:10 am Chanting
7:15 am End of Program

Evening Meditation

MONDAY–THURSDAY
5:30–6:10 pm Zazen

Friday

no scheduled meditation

Saturday Morning

Everyone is welcome.
8:20 am Zazen
9:00 am End of Zazen

Sunday Program

You may attend all or part of the Sunday program.
This is the largest program of the week and includes chanting.
Everyone is welcome.
8:20 am Chanting and bows - to participate virtually, go to the Zoom Zendo links.
8:50 am Zazen – Meditation
9:20 am Newcomer's Introduction - or Soji / Temple Cleaning for non-Newcomers
9:45 am Dharma Talk - Virtual participation via Zoom Zendo.
Followed by tea & refreshments