First and foremost, welcome. The goal of the CZC is to provide a place and the support of community for those interested in the contemplative practice of Zen. Our intention is that you feel welcomed and that much mystery and discomfort that is perceived to be part of this practice is set aside.

GETTING STARTED

When getting into a swimming pool, there are those who dip their toe and those who dive. Zen is not different and neither way is better.

You are welcome to just show up for any of our regular Thursday or Sunday sitting periods. Please come 15 minutes early and let someone know it is your first time, and you will receive a brief orientation to our practice forms. Dress for comfort, although wearing dark or subdued colors is helpful to the spirit of practice. Feel free to stay after practice to ask any additional questions.

For a more in-depth orientation to the practice, as well as more opportunity for questions and discussion, please join us for one of our quarterly Intro to Zen workshops. These workshops are typically held on a Saturday for 3 hours. See the Events Calendar for dates.

HOW TO PRACTICE

As part of our orientation or Intro workshop, you will be shown a variety of sitting postures, including cross-legged on cushions, kneeling on cushions, kneeling on a bench, and sitting in a chair. All of these postures support one in sitting upright and still, and offer a variety of options so that discomfort can be minimized.

Some people prefer to read about Zen as part of an orientation to the practice. You will find many good titles in most bookstores and libraries. Here are titles that have been helpful to some of our Sangha members:

Going Beyond Buddha - Zen Master Dae Gak
Compass of Zen - Zen Master Seung Sahn
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind - Shunryu Suzuki
Buddhism Plain & Simple - Steve Hagen
Everyday Zen - Charlotte Joko Beck
Art of Happiness - Dalai Lama
Being Peace - Thich Nhat Hanh
Awakening the Buddha Within - Lama Surya Das
To Meet the Real Dragon - Gudo Nishijima

But while reading is fine, doing is necessary, so orientation from someone experienced with the practice is especially helpful.

STUDENTS & CLASSES

We welcome all visitors, however if you plan to visit as part of a class, please contact us beforehand so that we may plan to be available to answer your questions. Special arrangements should be made to accommodate 3 or more students during regular sitting practice. Representatives of the CZC are also available to speak onsite to classes and organizations.