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.
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
• Upright with Poise and Grace - 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
But while reading is fine, doing is necessary, so orientation from someone experienced with the practice is especially helpful.
We welcome all visitors, however if you plan to visit as part of a class to one of our regular Thursday or Sunday practice sessions, 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. Please email us for more information.
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.
In response to many requests, we now offer a Beginner's Session on 2nd Tuesdays of the month, from 7 to 8 pm. The session starts with a brief overview of sitting posture, then commences with an abbreviated version of our regular practice: recitation of the Heart Sutra, a 20-minute sitting period, 10-minute walking meditation, then another 20-minute sitting period, with some time for questions and reflections at the close. Experienced practitioners are very welcome to attend, too, of course. No preregistration required.
Cincinnati Zen Center is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Religious Organization
PO Box 14841, Cincinnati OH 45205
info @ cincinnatizencenter.org 513-278-3727
© 2018 Cincinnati Zen Center
