“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few.” – Shunryu Suzuki Roshi
It is this opportunity and flexibility available to the beginner's mind that we deeply value in our Zen practice. So if you are new to practice, welcome! We have a saying, "not knowing is most intimate," and in this spirit we welcome all beginning practitioners. If you are new to Zen and are curious about a supportive way to enter the practice, here are a few suggestions.
GETTING STARTED
ZAZEN INSTRUCTION
First we ask that you attend an introductory zazen instruction on Saturday mornings at 9:00am before our regular Saturday zazen periods. If you would like to begin sitting meditation with us before the next instruction, that is fine. But please attend the next available Saturday instruction.
Please note that zazen instruction will not be offered on May 11th, May 25th, and June 8th due to retreats on those Saturdays.
DAILY SITTING MEDITATION
Even if it is only 10 minutes per day at first, we encourage taking up a daily meditation practice. We also recommend making time in your schedule to sit zazen at least twice per week in the zendo so that you can begin to feel the support of other sitters for longer periods of meditation.
SATURDAY MORNING PROGRAM
Take part in the Saturday morning program and stay for lunch to meet your fellow Zen practitioners.
MINDFULNESS STUDY GROUP
Take part in the study group on the four foundations of mindfulness. Though studying these foundations is an important exploration at any time in practice, this is an excellent inquiry for those new to Buddhist practice as it offers the opportunity to study mindful activity, which underpins all of Zen practice.
AFTER A LITTLE WHILE
ONE-DAY SIT
Sit a full one-day retreat on Saturday to allow the mind to concentrate more deeply.
WORK IN THE KITCHEN
There is a long history of kitchen practice in our tradition of Zen. Volunteering to work in the kitchen on Saturday mornings (or during a retreat) is a wonderful way to bring your practice into activity and support the community at the same time.
CONTINUE WITH CLASSES
After studying the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, you may consider moving on to the Zen Precepts or the Four Noble Truths study groups to further your understanding of the tenets of practice.
MEET WITH A TEACHER
As you sit longer, you may have questions. Dharma teachers – practitioners with a great deal of experience with sitting meditation – are sometimes available to speak with you regarding your meditation practice. Please take advantage of the opportunities when available.
LONGER RETREATS
Once you feel comfortable with your weekly sitting practice and have tried a few one-day sits, consider attending longer five- or seven-day retreats.
VOLUNTEER FOR PRACTICE ROLES
One way to learn more about Zen practice in action, or bringing mindful activity to our daily lives, is to take on practice roles that support Zen practice for others. This may involve watching the door or keeping time for meditation periods, ringing bells and keeping rhythm for service, or taking care of the altars. When you feel ready to extend your sitting practice into these kinds of activities, please speak to the Ino – the head caretaker of the zendo – about training in these practice roles.
New to Zen Practice?
