Annual Sangha Potluck and Movie Screening
Jun
14

Annual Sangha Potluck and Movie Screening

Please join us for our Annual Sangha Potluck and Movie Screening. We will be screening the 2017 documentary, “Walk With Me”. Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, Walk With Me takes us deep inside the world-famous monastery of Zen Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh. We will not have Zazen in the Zendo this night. The film is 90 minutes and we will start it around 6:30 pm.

We invite family and friends to attend. We invite One Heart Sangha members and members of any other sangha.

To Sign Up for a Dish, click on this link, https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hBAGOQkdEGUS4Wrq-EqT68-y7aC2LeuiGDbIXNVrQRs/edit?usp=sharing

All items should be labeled due to dietary restrictions like nut allergies, dairy, gluten free, vegan, etc. We meet upstairs at the Rockville United Church 355 LInthicum Street in Kaseman Hall. Enter the front doors and turn right.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Sarah Kyoshin at registration@joyfulmind.org‍ ‍


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Monday Zen for All People
Jun
15

Monday Zen for All People

Join us for a simple meditation in chairs, suitable for beginners. Following Teacher talk, 10 minutes of meditation, followed by walking meditation and another 20-minutes meditation. The last 15 minutes include reflection on a poem, discussion and tea. All are welcome. Come early to find your chair. We meet upstairs in the church sanctuary. Come in the front doors of the church

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Summer Book Group Starts
Jun
15

Summer Book Group Starts

Summer Reading Group Starts June 15 

Starting June 15 from 7-8 pm online,  senior student Karen Louis will be facilitating a summer book discussion on Pema Chodron's book  No Time to Lose (or the newer title is) Becoming Bodhisattvas: A Guidebook for Compassionate Action. It discusses "Shantideva’s Way of the Bodhisattva" with practical exercises on the path. The reading group will meet on alternate Monday nights 7-8 pm online for 6 sessions.   For more information or questions, contact Registration@joyfulmindzendo.org.

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Tuesday Zen Practice
Jun
16

Tuesday Zen Practice

Join us for 3 sitting periods of Zazen. Meditation is 25 minutes followed by walking meditation and with opening and closing chants, teacher talk and interviews are offered. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 4:45 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Tea Ladies Zen Practice
Jun
21

Tea Ladies Zen Practice

We start at 4:30 pm on Sunday, then do silent meditation followed by koan study. After the koan is read and presented, all of us have an opportunity to share our experiences with it, and we end at 5:30. We use Way of Council in our sharing with each other.

Zoom link and study text will be provided in advance to the Tea Ladies Sangha mailing list.

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Sunday Zen Practice
Jun
21

Sunday Zen Practice

Join us for three meditation periods (Zazen is 25-minutes), walking meditation, dharma talk, or Tea and Talk, Teacher interviews, chanting practice. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 7:00 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Monday Zen for All People
Jun
22

Monday Zen for All People

Join us for a simple meditation in chairs, suitable for beginners. Following Teacher talk, 10 minutes of meditation, followed by walking meditation and another 20-minutes meditation. The last 15 minutes include reflection on a poem, discussion and tea. All are welcome. Come early to find your chair. We meet upstairs in the church sanctuary. Come in the front doors of the church

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Tuesday Zen Practice
Jun
23

Tuesday Zen Practice

Join us for 3 sitting periods of Zazen. Meditation is 25 minutes followed by walking meditation and with opening and closing chants, teacher talk and interviews are offered. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 4:45 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Sunday Zen Practice
Jun
28

Sunday Zen Practice

Join us for three meditation periods (Zazen is 25-minutes), walking meditation, dharma talk, or Tea and Talk, Teacher interviews, chanting practice. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 7:00 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Monday Zen for All People
Jun
29

Monday Zen for All People

Join us for a simple meditation in chairs, suitable for beginners. Following Teacher talk, 10 minutes of meditation, followed by walking meditation and another 20-minutes meditation. The last 15 minutes include reflection on a poem, discussion and tea. All are welcome. Come early to find your chair. We meet upstairs in the church sanctuary. Come in the front doors of the church

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Tuesday Zen Practice
Jun
30

Tuesday Zen Practice

Join us for 3 sitting periods of Zazen. Meditation is 25 minutes followed by walking meditation and with opening and closing chants, teacher talk and interviews are offered. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 4:45 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Introduction to Zen Class
Jul
5

Introduction to Zen Class

In this one hour introduction, we will practice Zen forms and protocols in a Zendo. Sensei Taikai and Dharma Holder Kyoshin will answer questions about Zen practice, how to find support or get a mentor and how to create a daily home practice.

When we start Zen, we "empty the bowl" by paying attention to what we are doing, and to keep our minds open and free to what liberates us.

Then join us for our group meditation at 7 pm for one 25-minute period or until we end at 8:30 pm.

The class will be held in our Zendo, lower level entrance at the back door of the church. Someone will greet you. Wear comfortable clothes.
Come with questions and curiosity. We warmly welcome you.

Please register at registration@joyfulmindzendo.org

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Sunday Zen Practice
Jul
5

Sunday Zen Practice

Join us for three meditation periods (Zazen is 25-minutes), walking meditation, dharma talk, or Tea and Talk, Teacher interviews, chanting practice. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 7:00 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Monday Zen for All People
Jul
6

Monday Zen for All People

Join us for a simple meditation in chairs, suitable for beginners. Following Teacher talk, 10 minutes of meditation, followed by walking meditation and another 20-minutes meditation. The last 15 minutes include reflection on a poem, discussion and tea. All are welcome. Come early to find your chair. We meet upstairs in the church sanctuary. Come in the front doors of the church

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Tuesday Zen Practice
Jul
7

Tuesday Zen Practice

Join us for 3 sitting periods of Zazen. Meditation is 25 minutes followed by walking meditation and with opening and closing chants, teacher talk and interviews are offered. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 4:45 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Sunday Zen Practice
Jul
12

Sunday Zen Practice

Join us for three meditation periods (Zazen is 25-minutes), walking meditation, dharma talk, or Tea and Talk, Teacher interviews, chanting practice. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 7:00 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Monday Zen for All People
Jul
13

Monday Zen for All People

Join us for a simple meditation in chairs, suitable for beginners. Following Teacher talk, 10 minutes of meditation, followed by walking meditation and another 20-minutes meditation. The last 15 minutes include reflection on a poem, discussion and tea. All are welcome. Come early to find your chair. We meet upstairs in the church sanctuary. Come in the front doors of the church

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Tuesday Zen Practice
Jul
14

Tuesday Zen Practice

Join us for 3 sitting periods of Zazen. Meditation is 25 minutes followed by walking meditation and with opening and closing chants, teacher talk and interviews are offered. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 4:45 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Tea Ladies Zen Practice
Jul
19

Tea Ladies Zen Practice

We start at 4:30 pm on Sunday, then do silent meditation followed by koan study. After the koan is read and presented, all of us have an opportunity to share our experiences with it, and we end at 5:30. We use Way of Council in our sharing with each other.

Zoom link and study text will be provided in advance to the Tea Ladies Sangha mailing list.

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Sunday Zen Practice
Jul
19

Sunday Zen Practice

Join us for three meditation periods (Zazen is 25-minutes), walking meditation, dharma talk, or Tea and Talk, Teacher interviews, chanting practice. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 7:00 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Monday Zen for All People
Jul
20

Monday Zen for All People

Join us for a simple meditation in chairs, suitable for beginners. Following Teacher talk, 10 minutes of meditation, followed by walking meditation and another 20-minutes meditation. The last 15 minutes include reflection on a poem, discussion and tea. All are welcome. Come early to find your chair. We meet upstairs in the church sanctuary. Come in the front doors of the church

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Tuesday Zen Practice
Jul
21

Tuesday Zen Practice

Join us for 3 sitting periods of Zazen. Meditation is 25 minutes followed by walking meditation and with opening and closing chants, teacher talk and interviews are offered. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 4:45 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Zen Mountain Retreat and Zazenkai
Jul
24
to Jul 26

Zen Mountain Retreat and Zazenkai

Zen Summer Mountain Retreat and Zazenkai with Joyful Mind Zen Community

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Zazenkai is Saturday July 25, 2026 from 9 am to 5 pm at the Rolling Ridge Retreat Center in West Virginia

Full weekend Retreat is from Noon Friday July 24-Noon Sunday July 26. 

Registration Form

Zazenkai in the Mountains, Saturday July 25 from 9am-5 pm in West Virginia, a 90-minute drive from Rockville. It is also a weekend retreat with Sangha friends if you wish to come Friday early or stay later and leave Sunday at noon. Friday, Saturday night and Sunday are for conversation and relaxing, free time, hiking, or communal time.  

Zazenkai will be July 25 Saturday 9-5 pm and in silence. You can attend as a commuter for the day. Please arrive by 8:30 a.m. and allow extra time for travel. The last few miles are on gravel road. 

This will be held at Rolling Ridge Retreat Center on 400 acres of woods, trails, and streams near the Shenandoah River and Appalachian trail. Ninety-minute drive from Rockville. A beautiful quiet and private retreat house with trails, streams, ponds and hiking. Near the retreat house you can walk to the China Folk house (authentic house and garden brought to the US piece by piece as a cultural exchange). Carpools available.

Options to stay overnight Friday or Saturday. Limited rooms and bunks and space for sleeping bags in living room or meditation hut. Bring your own sheets, towels, or sleeping bags. Potluck sign-up list will be provided for registrants. Retreat center has A/C. Four shared bathrooms. No wifi, some limited cell service (Verizon seems to work). Campfire option. Bathrooms available for campers.

OPTIONS AND FEES:

A) Zazenkai One day Commuter: $35 and bring a bag lunch. Please arrive by 8:30 am. Allow extra time for travel since the roads leading to the Retreat House are gravel. If you arrive at 8 am you can share coffee, tea.

B) Zazenkai plus 2 nights (Full retreat): $80 and bring a shared potluck item on sign-up sheet. You will be assigned a private or shared room, or may camp out front or bring a sleeping bag for the living room or meditation hut (space availability and preferences at registration) Full weekend participants are first priority for getting a room, first come first served. We cannot guarantee a private room until we get the full registration list. Some rooms have bunk beds. Please state your preferences and needs below when you register. Rooms will be assigned after registration closes July 10. Refunds will be available.

C) Zazenkai plus 1 night: $60 and bring a shared potluck item on sign-up sheet. Choose Friday OR Saturday night. If you need lodging for one-night, it will be space available and can include a room or living room space for a sleeping bag, or the meditation hut floor. Rooms will be assigned after registration closes July 10. Refunds will be available.

Payments: Deposits of $60 will hold your space for lodging. Commuters pay $35. Payments in full will be due by July 10th. If you need to cancel lodging, full refunds available. 

For more information and Registration contact Sarah Farmer at registration@joyfulmindzendo.org


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Zazenkai in the Mountains
Jul
25

Zazenkai in the Mountains

ZAZENKAI ~~ “A Day of Zen” in the Mountains

Registration Form

We are offering Zazenkai at Rolling Ridge Retreat Center in West Virginia, around 90 minutes drive from Rockville. Carpools available. Silent retreat includes meditation, mindful movement, chanting, mindful eating, dharma teaching and meeting with the teacher. For many practitioners, single day retreats help rekindle the depth of zazen and restore harmony between body, heart and mind.  Zazenkai are suitable for beginners who feel able to sustain several 25-minute zazen periods during the day.

Fee: $35, tea, coffee and snacks provided. Bring a bag lunch.

If you wish to stay for breakfast 8 am or dinner 6 pm, bring a potluck item to share.

SCHEDULE:

9-10:30 Zazen and Kinhin

10:30-10:45 Tea Break

10:45 -Noon Zazen and Dharma Talk

Noon-1 pm lunch in silence

1:00-2:30 Zazen and Dokusan

2:30-3:00 Tea break or Stretch

3:00-4:30 Zazen

4:30 -5:00 Closing Circle

Join the Joyful Mind Zen Community

Cushions and chairs provided, but you may bring your own bench or cushion.



If you have any questions prior to registering, please reach out to registration@joyfulmindzendo.org.

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Sunday Zen Practice
Jul
26

Sunday Zen Practice

Join us for three meditation periods (Zazen is 25-minutes), walking meditation, dharma talk, or Tea and Talk, Teacher interviews, chanting practice. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 7:00 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

View Event →
Monday Zen for All People
Jul
27

Monday Zen for All People

Join us for a simple meditation in chairs, suitable for beginners. Following Teacher talk, 10 minutes of meditation, followed by walking meditation and another 20-minutes meditation. The last 15 minutes include reflection on a poem, discussion and tea. All are welcome. Come early to find your chair. We meet upstairs in the church sanctuary. Come in the front doors of the church

View Event →
Tuesday Zen Practice
Jul
28

Tuesday Zen Practice

Join us for 3 sitting periods of Zazen. Meditation is 25 minutes followed by walking meditation and with opening and closing chants, teacher talk and interviews are offered. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 4:45 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

View Event →
Tea Ladies Zen Practice
Aug
16

Tea Ladies Zen Practice

We start at 4:30 pm on Sunday, then do silent meditation followed by koan study. After the koan is read and presented, all of us have an opportunity to share our experiences with it, and we end at 5:30. We use Way of Council in our sharing with each other.

Zoom link and study text will be provided in advance to the Tea Ladies Sangha mailing list.

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Zazenkai Day of Zen
Sep
6

Zazenkai Day of Zen

ZAZENKAI ~~ “A Day of Zen”

Registration Form

Silent retreat includes meditation, mindful movement, chanting, mindful eating, dharma teaching and meeting with the teacher. For many practitioners, single day retreats help rekindle the depth of zazen and restore harmony between body, heart and mind. 



Zazenkai are suitable for beginners who feel able to sustain a number of 25 minute zazen periods during the day.

Join the Joyful Mind Zen Community for its Sunday Zazenkai Rockville United Church in Twinbrook/Rockville, MD (one mile from Twinbrook Metro/red line). Wear comfortable clothes. Bring a bag dinner and any snacks you wish to share. Tea and coffee is provided. You are welcome to stay for all (2-8:30 pm) or half (2-6:30 pm) of the retreat. Address: 355 LInthicum Street, Rockville, MD 20851.

There is no charge to attend, but donations are appreciated for the retreat and the teachers. Donations page (Pay Pal, Zelle, check) or here: https://www.joyfulmindzendo.org/practice-of-generosity. Suggested donation: $20-25.

Cushions and chairs provided, but you may bring your own bench or cushion.

Arrival and Schedule:
Enter at the back door of the church and look for a sign. Park in the front of the church and walk through the garden to the back, or park in the back lot. Arrive at 1:45 pm to find your seat. Bell rings at 2:00 pm for first sit. If you are late, please sit in the hallway chairs until the next Bell rings.
The schedule includes 25-minute periods of sitting, interspersed with walking meditation, rest or tea breaks, Teacher talks and interviews, chant practice.

SCHEDULE:
1:45 door open and be on your cushion or chair by 2 pm for the first bell
2:00-3:30 Zazen sitting meditation and walking meditation
3:30-3:50 Tea or rest break
3:50-5:15 Zazen sitting meditation, Dharma talk, teacher interview, walking meditation
5:15-5:35 Tea or rest or stretch break
5:35-6:30 Zazen and walking
6:30-7pm Silent dinner break
7-8:30 Zazen and walking meditation and closing discussion

If you have any questions prior to registering, please reach out to registration@joyfulmindzendo.org.

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Tea Ladies Zen Practice
Sep
13

Tea Ladies Zen Practice

We start at 4:30 pm on Sunday, then do silent meditation followed by koan study. After the koan is read and presented, all of us have an opportunity to share our experiences with it, and we end at 5:30. We use Way of Council in our sharing with each other.

Zoom link and study text will be provided in advance to the Tea Ladies Sangha mailing list.

View Event →
Zazenkai Day of Zen
Oct
11

Zazenkai Day of Zen

ZAZENKAI ~~ “A Day of Zen”

Registration Form

Silent retreat includes meditation, mindful movement, chanting, mindful eating, dharma teaching and meeting with the teacher. For many practitioners, single day retreats help rekindle the depth of zazen and restore harmony between body, heart and mind. 



Zazenkai are suitable for beginners who feel able to sustain a number of 25 minute zazen periods during the day.

Join the Joyful Mind Zen Community for its Sunday Zazenkai Rockville United Church in Twinbrook/Rockville, MD (one mile from Twinbrook Metro/red line). Wear comfortable clothes. Bring a bag dinner and any snacks you wish to share. Tea and coffee is provided. You are welcome to stay for all (2-8:30 pm) or half (2-6:30 pm) of the retreat. Address: 355 LInthicum Street, Rockville, MD 20851.

There is no charge to attend, but donations are appreciated for the retreat and the teachers. Donations page (Pay Pal, Zelle, check) or here: https://www.joyfulmindzendo.org/practice-of-generosity. Suggested donation: $20-25.

Cushions and chairs provided, but you may bring your own bench or cushion.

Arrival and Schedule:
Enter at the back door of the church and look for a sign. Park in the front of the church and walk through the garden to the back, or park in the back lot. Arrive at 1:45 pm to find your seat. Bell rings at 2:00 pm for first sit. If you are late, please sit in the hallway chairs until the next Bell rings.
The schedule includes 25-minute periods of sitting, interspersed with walking meditation, rest or tea breaks, Teacher talks and interviews, chant practice.

SCHEDULE:
1:45 door open and be on your cushion or chair by 2 pm for the first bell
2:00-3:30 Zazen sitting meditation and walking meditation
3:30-3:50 Tea or rest break
3:50-5:15 Zazen sitting meditation, Dharma talk, teacher interview, walking meditation
5:15-5:35 Tea or rest or stretch break
5:35-6:30 Zazen and walking
6:30-7pm Silent dinner break
7-8:30 Zazen and walking meditation and closing discussion

If you have any questions prior to registering, please reach out to registration@joyfulmindzendo.org.

View Event →
Tea Ladies Zen Practice
Oct
18

Tea Ladies Zen Practice

We start at 4:30 pm on Sunday, then do silent meditation followed by koan study. After the koan is read and presented, all of us have an opportunity to share our experiences with it, and we end at 5:30. We use Way of Council in our sharing with each other.

Zoom link and study text will be provided in advance to the Tea Ladies Sangha mailing list.

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Fall Annual Sesshin 2026
Oct
29
to Nov 1

Fall Annual Sesshin 2026

Sesshin means to connect heart-mind with the absolute universe and with our own being. This is an intensive Zen retreat of deep silence. We recommend you have sat many Zazenkai or have attended other longer meditation retreats before attending a Sesshin.

This residential 3-day retreat includes extended Zazen, mindful movement, chanting, mindful eating, dharma teaching and meeting with the teacher. This Sesshin will be at Wellspring Retreat Center in Germantown, MD, Thursday afternoon through Sunday lunch

Save the date, more details later.

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Tea Ladies Zen Practice
Nov
15

Tea Ladies Zen Practice

We start at 4:30 pm on Sunday, then do silent meditation followed by koan study. After the koan is read and presented, all of us have an opportunity to share our experiences with it, and we end at 5:30. We use Way of Council in our sharing with each other.

Zoom link and study text will be provided in advance to the Tea Ladies Sangha mailing list.

View Event →
Zazenkai Day of Zen
Dec
6

Zazenkai Day of Zen

ZAZENKAI ~~ “A Day of Zen”

Registration Form

Silent retreat includes meditation, mindful movement, chanting, mindful eating, dharma teaching and meeting with the teacher. For many practitioners, single day retreats help rekindle the depth of zazen and restore harmony between body, heart and mind. 



Zazenkai are suitable for beginners who feel able to sustain a number of 25 minute zazen periods during the day.

Join the Joyful Mind Zen Community for its Sunday Zazenkai Rockville United Church in Twinbrook/Rockville, MD (one mile from Twinbrook Metro/red line). Wear comfortable clothes. Bring a bag dinner and any snacks you wish to share. Tea and coffee is provided. You are welcome to stay for all (2-8:30 pm) or half (2-6:30 pm) of the retreat. Address: 355 LInthicum Street, Rockville, MD 20851.

There is no charge to attend, but donations are appreciated for the retreat and the teachers. Donations page (Pay Pal, Zelle, check) or here: https://www.joyfulmindzendo.org/practice-of-generosity. Suggested donation: $20-25.

Cushions and chairs provided, but you may bring your own bench or cushion.

Arrival and Schedule:
Enter at the back door of the church and look for a sign. Park in the front of the church and walk through the garden to the back, or park in the back lot. Arrive at 1:45 pm to find your seat. Bell rings at 2:00 pm for first sit. If you are late, please sit in the hallway chairs until the next Bell rings.
The schedule includes 25-minute periods of sitting, interspersed with walking meditation, rest or tea breaks, Teacher talks and interviews, chant practice.

SCHEDULE:
1:45 door open and be on your cushion or chair by 2 pm for the first bell
2:00-3:30 Zazen sitting meditation and walking meditation
3:30-3:50 Tea or rest break
3:50-5:15 Zazen sitting meditation, Dharma talk, teacher interview, walking meditation
5:15-5:35 Tea or rest or stretch break
5:35-6:30 Zazen and walking
6:30-7pm Silent dinner break
7-8:30 Zazen and walking meditation and closing discussion

If you have any questions prior to registering, please reach out to registration@joyfulmindzendo.org.

View Event →

Tuesday Zen Practice
Jun
9

Tuesday Zen Practice

Join us for 3 sitting periods of Zazen. Meditation is 25 minutes followed by walking meditation and with opening and closing chants, teacher talk and interviews are offered. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 4:45 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

View Event →
Monday Zen for All People
Jun
8

Monday Zen for All People

Join us for a simple meditation in chairs, suitable for beginners. Following Teacher talk, 10 minutes of meditation, followed by walking meditation and another 20-minutes meditation. The last 15 minutes include reflection on a poem, discussion and tea. All are welcome. Come early to find your chair. We meet upstairs in the church sanctuary. Come in the front doors of the church

View Event →
Sunday Zen Practice
Jun
7

Sunday Zen Practice

Join us for three meditation periods (Zazen is 25-minutes), walking meditation, dharma talk, or Tea and Talk, Teacher interviews, chanting practice. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 7:00 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

View Event →
Zazenkai Day of Zen
Jun
7

Zazenkai Day of Zen

ZAZENKAI ~~ “A Day of Zen”

Registration Form

Silent retreat includes meditation, mindful movement, chanting, mindful eating, dharma teaching and meeting with the teacher. For many practitioners, single day retreats help rekindle the depth of zazen and restore harmony between body, heart and mind. 

Zazenkai are suitable for beginners who feel able to sustain several 25-minute zazen periods during the day.

Join the Joyful Mind Zen Community for its Sunday Zazenkai Rockville United Church in Twinbrook/Rockville, MD (one mile from Twinbrook Metro/red line). Wear comfortable clothes. Bring a bag dinner and any snacks you wish to share. Tea and coffee is provided. You are welcome to stay for all (2-8:30 pm) or half (2-6:30 pm) of the retreat. Address: 355 LInthicum Street, Rockville, MD 20851.

There is no charge to attend, but donations are appreciated for the retreat and the teachers. Donations page (Pay Pal, Zelle, check) or here: https://www.joyfulmindzendo.org/practice-of-generosity. Suggested donation: $20-30

Cushions and chairs provided, but you may bring your own bench or cushion.

Arrival and Schedule:
Enter at the back door of the church and look for a sign. Park in the front of the church and walk through the garden to the back, or park in the back lot. Arrive at 1:45 pm to find your seat. Bell rings at 2:00 pm for first sit. If you are late, please sit in the hallway chairs until the next Bell rings.
The schedule includes 25-minute periods of sitting, interspersed with walking meditation, rest or tea breaks, Teacher talks and interviews, chant practice.

SCHEDULE:
1:45 door open and be on your cushion or chair by 2 pm for the first bell
2:00-3:30 Zazen sitting meditation and walking meditation
3:30-3:50 Tea or rest break
3:50-5:15 Zazen sitting meditation, Dharma talk, teacher interview, walking meditation
5:15-5:35 Tea or rest or stretch break
5:35-6:30 Zazen and walking
6:30-7pm Silent dinner break
7-8:30 Zazen and walking meditation and closing discussion

If you have any questions prior to registering, please reach out to registration@joyfulmindzendo.org.

View Event →
Tuesday Zen Practice
Jun
2

Tuesday Zen Practice

Join us for 3 sitting periods of Zazen. Meditation is 25 minutes followed by walking meditation and with opening and closing chants, teacher talk and interviews are offered. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 4:45 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Sunday Zen Practice
May
31

Sunday Zen Practice

Today we have a Student talk at the last sitting period.

Join us for three meditation periods (Zazen is 25-minutes), walking meditation, dharma talk, or Tea and Talk, Teacher interviews, chanting practice. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 7:00 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Tuesday Zen Practice
May
26

Tuesday Zen Practice

Join us for 3 sitting periods of Zazen. Meditation is 25 minutes followed by walking meditation and with opening and closing chants, teacher talk and interviews are offered. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 4:45 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Cancel ~~Monday Zen for All People
May
25

Cancel ~~Monday Zen for All People

We are canceling for the holiday

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Sunday Zen Practice
May
24

Sunday Zen Practice

Join us for three meditation periods (Zazen is 25-minutes), walking meditation, dharma talk, or Tea and Talk, Teacher interviews, chanting practice. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 7:00 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Tuesday Zen Practice and Soup Potluck
May
19

Tuesday Zen Practice and Soup Potluck

After sitting, at 6 pm this night, we gather for a soup potluck. RSVP with Karen Louis for the potluck karenlouis0126@gmail.com

Join us for 3 sitting periods of Zazen. Meditation is 25 minutes followed by walking meditation and with opening and closing chants, teacher talk and interviews are offered. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 4:45 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Monday Zen for All People
May
18

Monday Zen for All People

Join us for a simple meditation in chairs, suitable for beginners. Following Teacher talk, 10 minutes of meditation, followed by walking meditation and another 20-minutes meditation. The last 15 minutes include reflection on a poem, discussion and tea. All are welcome. Come early to find your chair. We meet upstairs in the church sanctuary. Come in the front doors of the church

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Sunday Zen Practice
May
17

Sunday Zen Practice

Join us for three meditation periods (Zazen is 25-minutes), walking meditation, dharma talk, or Tea and Talk, Teacher interviews, chanting practice. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 7:00 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Tea Ladies Zen Practice
May
17

Tea Ladies Zen Practice

We start at 4:30 pm on Sunday, then do silent meditation followed by koan study. After the koan is read and presented, all of us have an opportunity to share our experiences with it, and we end at 5:30. We use Way of Council in our sharing with each other.

Zoom link and study text will be provided in advance to the Tea Ladies Sangha mailing list.

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Tuesday Zen Practice
May
12

Tuesday Zen Practice

Join us for 3 sitting periods of Zazen. Meditation is 25 minutes followed by walking meditation and with opening and closing chants, teacher talk and interviews are offered. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 4:45 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Monday Zen for All People
May
11

Monday Zen for All People

Join us for a simple meditation in chairs, suitable for beginners. Following Teacher talk, 10 minutes of meditation, followed by walking meditation and another 20-minutes meditation. The last 15 minutes include reflection on a poem, discussion and tea. All are welcome. Come early to find your chair. We meet upstairs in the church sanctuary. Come in the front doors of the church

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Sunday Zen Practice
May
10

Sunday Zen Practice

Join us for three meditation periods (Zazen is 25-minutes), walking meditation, dharma talk, or Tea and Talk, Teacher interviews, chanting practice. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 7:00 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Tuesday Zen Practice
May
5

Tuesday Zen Practice

Join us for 3 sitting periods of Zazen. Meditation is 25 minutes followed by walking meditation and with opening and closing chants, teacher talk and interviews are offered. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 4:45 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Monday Zen for All People
May
4

Monday Zen for All People

Join us for a simple meditation in chairs, suitable for beginners. Following Teacher talk, 10 minutes of meditation, followed by walking meditation and another 20-minutes meditation. The last 15 minutes include reflection on a poem, discussion and tea. All are welcome. Come early to find your chair. We meet upstairs in the church sanctuary. Come in the front doors of the church

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Sunday Zen Practice
May
3

Sunday Zen Practice

Join us for three meditation periods (Zazen is 25-minutes), walking meditation, dharma talk, or Tea and Talk, Teacher interviews, chanting practice. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 7:00 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Introduction to Zen Class
May
3

Introduction to Zen Class

In this one hour introduction, we will practice Zen forms and protocols in a Zendo. Sensei Taikai and Dharma Holder Kyoshin will answer questions about Zen practice, how to find support or get a mentor and how to create a daily home practice.

When we start Zen, we "empty the bowl" by paying attention to what we are doing, and to keep our minds open and free to what liberates us.

Then join us for our group meditation at 7 pm for one 25-minute period or until we end at 8:30 pm.

The class will be held in our Zendo, lower level entrance at the back door of the church. Someone will greet you. Wear comfortable clothes.
Come with questions and curiosity. We warmly welcome you.

Please register at registration@joyfulmindzendo.org

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Tuesday Zen Practice
Apr
28

Tuesday Zen Practice

Join us for 3 sitting periods of Zazen. Meditation is 25 minutes followed by walking meditation and with opening and closing chants, teacher talk and interviews are offered. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 4:45 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Monday Zen for All People
Apr
27

Monday Zen for All People

Join us for a simple meditation in chairs, suitable for beginners. Following Teacher talk, 10 minutes of meditation, followed by walking meditation and another 20-minutes meditation. The last 15 minutes include reflection on a poem, discussion and tea. All are welcome. Come early to find your chair. We meet upstairs in the church sanctuary. Come in the front doors of the church

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Sunday Zen Practice
Apr
26

Sunday Zen Practice

Join us for three meditation periods (Zazen is 25-minutes), walking meditation, dharma talk, or Tea and Talk, Teacher interviews, chanting practice. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 7:00 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Tuesday Zen Practice
Apr
21

Tuesday Zen Practice

Join us for 3 sitting periods of Zazen. Meditation is 25 minutes followed by walking meditation and with opening and closing chants, teacher talk and interviews are offered. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 4:45 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Monday Zen for All People
Apr
20

Monday Zen for All People

Join us for a simple meditation in chairs, suitable for beginners. Following Teacher talk, 10 minutes of meditation, followed by walking meditation and another 20-minutes meditation. The last 15 minutes include reflection on a poem, discussion and tea. All are welcome. Come early to find your chair. We meet upstairs in the church sanctuary. Come in the front doors of the church

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Sunday Zen Practice
Apr
19

Sunday Zen Practice

Join us for three meditation periods (Zazen is 25-minutes), walking meditation, dharma talk, or Tea and Talk, Teacher interviews, chanting practice. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 7:00 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Tea Ladies Zen Practice
Apr
19

Tea Ladies Zen Practice

We start at 4:30 pm on Sunday, then do silent meditation followed by koan study. After the koan is read and presented, all of us have an opportunity to share our experiences with it, and we end at 5:30. We use Way of Council in our sharing with each other.

Zoom link and study text will be provided in advance to the Tea Ladies Sangha mailing list.

View Event →
Tuesday Zen Practice
Apr
14

Tuesday Zen Practice

Join us for 3 sitting periods of Zazen. Meditation is 25 minutes followed by walking meditation and with opening and closing chants, teacher talk and interviews are offered. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

If you arrive after 4:45 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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Monday Zen for All People
Apr
13

Monday Zen for All People

Join us for a simple meditation in chairs, suitable for beginners. Following Teacher talk, 10 minutes of meditation, followed by walking meditation and another 20-minutes meditation. The last 15 minutes include reflection on a poem, discussion and tea. All are welcome. Come early to find your chair. We meet upstairs in the church sanctuary. Come in the front doors of the church

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Sunday Zen Practice and Student Way-Seeking Talk
Apr
12

Sunday Zen Practice and Student Way-Seeking Talk

Join us for three meditation periods (Zazen is 25-minutes), walking meditation, dharma talk, or Tea and Talk, Teacher interviews, chanting practice. All are welcome. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find your cushion or chair and speak to others. Park in the back parking lot of the church and find the entrance (look for a sign) or park in front of the church and walk to the back.

This week, a student of JMZ will offer a talk about his/her practice in Zen and there will be time for questions.

If you arrive after 7:00 pm, wait in the hall until the second bell rings, then enter the Zendo. Someone will greet you.

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