The Heart of Zen is Zazen
Practicing Zen is zazen.
Set aside all involvements and let the myriad things rest.
Zazen is not thinking of good, not thinking of bad.
It is not conscious endeavor. It is not introspection.
Let all things drop away.
Zazen is the dharma gate of great ease and joy.
~ Zen Master Dōgen, 13th century Japan
Zazen—seated meditation—is the heart of Zen. In zazen, we take a simple seated upright posture and pay attention to our body and breath. Sitting zazen together is the centerpiece of our group practice; in addition, students are encouraged to develop a daily home sitting practice. When a group gets together, zazen is usually done in 2-3 periods for 25 minutes each and is alternated with 5-10 minutes of walking meditation, called kinhin.
However, Zen Buddhism encompasses more than just a seated meditation practice: we also develop a Zen mind and Zen spirit that encompasses our daily life. We practice the Zen Precepts, guidelines on living in a harmonious way.
Our teachers offer dokusan—one-on-one meetings between student and teacher—during group practice, and remotely by appointment. Our teachers can help you establish a personal practice, and offer instruction and encouragement.
We are in the White Plum Asanga lineage, which was established by Taizan Maezumi, Roshi in the lineage of Sōtō Zen. We also practice the Three Tenets of the Zen Peacemakers.
Newcomers to Zen are strongly encouraged to attend our Introduction to Zen Practice.
