For beginners
Orientation by appointment, first Saturday of each month, 8 a.m. or first Tuesday, 6 p.m.
Orientation sessions are for beginners and for those with experience who would like to review our zendo routine. Beginners must attend one of these before participating in zendo activities. See below for details.
As a group of experienced lay Zen practitioners, we offer basic instruction, advice and support to beginners, focusing on zazen, a form of seated, concentrated meditation. Zazen is a central element of Zen practice, and is what we do most of the time at Ka Shin Zendo. Zazen is meant to be challenging, but in keeping with the Middle Way, neither too easy nor too hard.
But by definition Zen cannot be practiced or fully appreciated through reading or intellectual activity alone. Zazen and other practices that actively engage the body and mind are essential. Some zazen instruction with useful context can be found here; brief video instruction can be found here.
At the zendo orientation, we offer instruction in how to sit - how to orient the body in space and over time, how to breathe, how to handle thoughts - and how to do kinhin (walking meditation). A zendo is a formal environment, with zazen and kinhin choreographed pretty tightly (don't worry, everyone makes mistakes), so we also review this routine and the rules governing it.
An orientation lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and precedes a regular meditation session, which you are welcome -- but not required -- to attend. On Tuesday nights, regular sits last 40 minutes; you may wish to practice at home before sitting that long. Saturday mornings, there is more flexibility incorporated for beginners. Please wear dark-colored, loose-fitting clothing (no shorts or tank tops), and try to arrive at least five minutes before the start time. We have zafus (cushions) and meditation benches, but you may bring your own if you like. We welcome people regardless of physical limitations - you may pile cushions up or sit in a chair if that works best for you.
Orientations are held by appointment only on the first Saturday of each month at 8 a.m. and/or the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Cost: $5. To arrange an orientation, please email us with a preferred date.
