What is Zen ?

Zen is a transformative and healing practice to help us truly live wholeheartedly in the present moment. It is not a belief system or religion.

The fundamental practices of Zen are seated meditation (zazen) and harmony and mindfulness in all our actions. This includes bowing together, walking together, chanting together side-by-side. These practices help us to discover a clear mind and connected heart. We learn to see clearly through thoughts, opinions, and emotions that limit us.

We are often distracted and exhausted, anxious or running on empty, or constantly reacting from habitual ways of thinking and doing. In Zen, we learn to recognize and slow down the thoughts, beliefs and opinions that limit us.

Zen frees us to be who we really are.

Anyone of any faith or tradition can practice Zen meditation. Zen meditation arises from the Eastern traditions adapted to the West. The word Buddha is Sanskrit for “awakened one.” We can all awaken.

In practicing Zen, we awaken to our full human potential and responsibility to serve life with compassion and awareness. Realizing our interconnectedness with all other beings, we naturally start to care more for others and the environment. We start to understand that our thoughts and actions have consequences.

We vow to live with attention, integrity and authenticity and to help others.

Our closing vows

Beings are numberless, I vow to free them.

Delusions are inexhaustible, I vow to cut through them.

Dharma gates are boundless, I vow to enter them.

The awakened way is unsurpassable, I vow to live it.

It is helpful to practice Zen in a community of support (Sangha) that encourages an ever-opening heart