Thursday   7 - 8:15 pm
Sunday   9 - 10:30 am

We practice several forms of meditation: Sitting, Walking and Chanting.

Sitting is the practice of stillness, of looking directly into the nature of the mind. We sit for periods of 30 minutes. There are many postures appropriate for sitting practice (including kneeling on cushions or using a chair), so that discomfort can be minimized.

Walking is a practice of movement which involves interacting in a conscious and intentional way with the body-mind. It provides a chance to stretch the legs after sitting, but also provides the opportunity to take the mind of practice into motion, bridging the gap that can arise between life on the cushion and life off the cushion.

Chanting is a practice consistent worldwide among contemplative traditions. When we chant, the singular voice interacts and merges with the group voice. We recite chants from a variety of Zen lineages and in several languages. Chant sheets are provided.

Practice consists of the following periods:

10-min chanting (Heart Sutra Korean, Heart Sutra English, Great Dharani)
20-min sitting
30-min free walking
30-min sitting
Recitation of 4 Great Vows
Introductions & announcements
Tea & Fellowship

Please arrive ten minutes early, since we lock the doors to maintain privacy and security promptly at the start times. Although dress is casual and comfortable, clothing is an element and expression of the meditation experience. Black or subdued colors are most supportive of practice in the dharma room. Those in positions of responsibility are encouraged to wear rakusus (kasas) and robes, if they have them. All others having rakusus or robe may wear them as they choose.

Please don't let unfamiliarity with meditation forms be a reason for not investigating Zen practice. Participants at all levels of experience are always welcome. Just let someone know you are visiting for the first time and you will receive some basic orientation. For those who wish for a more formal entry we offer introductory workshops several times a year.

In addition to these introductory workshops, we offer discussion groups, one-day intensives, community presentations, individual instruction with senior students available during most practice sessions, and weekend retreats.

Myogetsu Osho also offers monthly Dharma talks and one-on-one interviews. See the Event Calendar for the schedule.

Regular Sunday practice is not held during weekends when a retreat is in progress at the CZC.