What to expect

Zen translates as “meditation” which is the basis of Zen practice.

A sangha member will greet you upon entry ready to answer your questions regarding meditation and practice. When you enter the room, please remove shoes.

Meditation Hall (Zendo) practices

The Densho (bell) is rung for 10 minutes as a call to silence inviting participants to enter the meditation hall. Bow toward the altar when entering the sacred meditation space to acknowledge awakening, then choose your seat. You may choose to sit on a cushion or a chair. Prior to sitting, bow toward your seat (to honor the way) then bow to the sangha community (to honor our companions).

Service begins at 6:00 with a practice leader (cantor) welcoming to sitting practice.

After a 25 minute sitting meditation, we have a 5 minute walking meditation.

Mindful walking meditation

The timekeeper will signal with two rings of a bell for us to stand and turn to follow the person to your left at about arms length. During walking meditation our attention moves to our feet and we notice how we connect/relate to the earth. During this time, you may take care of yourself by bowing out of the line for a drink of water, a bathroom break or if you need to leave the zendo for the evening. At the end of walking meditation, continue following the person in front of you to return your chair or cushion. Bow to the sangha, turn and bow to your seat to begin the next 25 minute meditation.

Closing

The cantor will bring the service to close with an invitation to share a short poem, reading or insight. We close with the Four Boundless Vows.

We stand when cantor rings the inkin (small bell), bow to altar, another ring of inkin, bow to the sangha. Cantor asks for announcements. Cantor ends service with final bell.