ZAZENKAI ~~ “A Day of Zen”

Sitting in retreat is vital to Zen practice—it is a rare opportunity to deepen your spiritual practice through extended silent meditation, walking, eating in silence together as Sangha community.

“Hearing the sound of the bell, all thinking is cut off, wisdom grows, clarity appears, compassion arises….”

Join the Joyful Mind Zen Community for its Sunday bimonthly Retreat Practice Period in our Zendo located in the lower level of Rockville United Church in Twinbrook/Rockville, MD (one mile from Twinbrook Metro/red line). There is no charge, but donations are welcome. Bring a bag “dinner.” You are welcome to stay for half of the retreat. Address: 355 LInthicum Street, Rockville, MD 20851.

Please register in advance or contact us for information: Registration Form.

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. You may also volunteer to bring a snack for our tea break or other service job (greeter, tea set up)

We have chairs to sit on as well as floor cushions (Zabutons) and a several sitting cushions (Zafus) and two benches. You are welcome to bring your own sitting bench or cushion. Our meditation consists of 25-minute periods of sitting, interspersed with walking meditation, rest or tea breaks, work practice, and outdoor walking. Recommend comfortable clothes with muted colors; socks or slip on/off shoes for walking meditation. Tea and snacks will be provided; bring snacks to share.

Arrival and Schedule:
Enter at the back door of the church, and park in parking lot in front or back. Walk through the garden and look for the green welcome sign. 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. You may stay for the 2-6:15 Zazenkai or the entire 2-8:30 Zazenkai.

2:00-3:30: Zazen, Walking meditation (sometimes outdoors)
3:30-4:00 Silent Tea/Rest/Snack Break
4:00-5:30: Zazen; Dharma Talk by teacher and optional Teacher personal practice conversation (dokusan)

5:30-5:50 Stretch Practice and rest practice

5:50-6:15 Zazen (additional dokusan)

6:15-7:00 Silent Meal (bring your own bag meal or group offerings/snacks)

7:00-8:15 Regular Evening Zazen practice—Zazen, Walking meditation, ending with Way of Council (sharing in community)

8:20 pm Clean Zendo and Depart

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