Common Questions

None at all. Many people who sit with us came for the very first time with no background in meditation. We will show you how to sit before we begin.

No. People of every faith and of no faith practice Zen. You are welcome exactly as you are, and you will never be asked to believe anything or to join anything.

Nothing. We are run by volunteers, and there is no charge to sit with us. Zen has long been supported by the old practice of generosity, called dana, and once we are established there will be a simple way to give if you wish. Your presence is always enough.

Then you sit in a chair, and you are in good company. A steady, upright, comfortable posture is the only aim, and we will help you find one.

About an hour and a half, including the two sittings, the walking meditation between, the closing reading, and tea. Newcomers come a half hour earlier, at 7:30, for orientation.

Loose, comfortable clothing in muted colors, and nothing else. We provide cushions and chairs.

You are welcome to simply come. If you let us know you are coming through the contact page, we can watch for you and make sure you get a proper welcome and your first instruction. You can write to us at [email protected].

Zen is a Buddhist tradition, and we honor its forms with care. At the same time, the practice of zazen is open to anyone, and a great many people sit with us for reasons that have nothing to do with religion. You decide what it means to you.

Our Sunday sittings are currently geared toward adults, since the morning rests on a long stretch of silence that is a great deal to ask of young children. We warmly welcome mature teenagers who would like to sit, accompanied by a parent. As the community grows, we hope to offer family and youth practice, and we will say so here when we do.