How do I figure out what kind of Buddhism and meditation is right for me?

There are many Buddhist traditions, all with much to offer. The key to finding out which is a good match for you, is to explore, visit, talk to people, listen to the teachings, and try the meditation practice. Pay attention to how you feel, how the place feels, how the people seem.  Do you feel welcomed? Do the teachings appeal to your mind and heart? Is it possible to find a meditation posture that works for your body? These questions and more will guide you as you come to know where to settle and enter more deeply.

What is Zen?

Zen is a shortened form for Zen Buddhism, a Japanese Buddhist tradition that developed from Chinese Chan Buddhism. There are many different forms of Zen Buddhism. Ocean Gate is Sōtō Zen Temple (Japanese founder Dogen Zenji 1200-1252 CE). We emphasize everyday life as vital path of practice, including our work, our relationships, how we care for our environment, the practices of sitting meditation (shikantaza), walking meditation (kinhin), ritual and others. Each person is supported to find a path of practice that has meaning and depth for them.

More on the history of Zen here. More on the practice of Zen here.

Do I have to be Buddhist to come to Ocean Gate?

No. Zen Buddhism does not ask you to believe in any teaching or doctrine. In fact, Zen Buddhism encourages you to come to know the teachings from the inside, through asking questions and exploring the practice in your own life and experience.

And you do not need to leave a religious tradition to practice Zen Buddhism. Many people who practice Zen Buddhism maintain a strong and vital connection to another tradition. The point is for you to discover your own relationship to the teachings and practice of Zen. 

What can I expect when I come to Ocean Gate for zazen or a Saturday talk?

You will be greeted by someone who can show you where to place your shoes, and any purse or bag you have with you, and how we enter the zendo and take a seat.  We are a welcoming temple, a place of refuge and rest for all of us, so if you have specific needs or questions please ask them. One way to become familiar with practice at Ocean Gate is to attend a Zazen Instruction session, but it is not necessary, you will be shown what do to.

What should I wear?

For zazen it is best to wear loose-fitting clothing. It is difficult to meditate comfortably in tight clothing such as jeans. Most people wear loose pants, or a long skirt, and a comfortable top. When you come to the zendo (meditation space) as a courtesy to others, avoid wearing distracting clothing, noisy jewelry, and perfume, or strongly scented soaps or lotions.

If I come to a morning session of meditation, do I have to stay for the chanting and service?

No, though you are welcome to stay and take part and someone will help you participate.  You can come to any part of our programs that you would like. If you come to a weekday morning session of zazen (meditation) and do not want to stay for service, simply leave after the end of the zazen period.

What happens during the service after morning zazen?

In our service we chant together, bow together, express our gratitude to the ancestors of our tradition as a community. This is an embodied practice, one we learn by being together, acting together. When we chant our voices join and become one sound.

If you are new, you are welcome to dive in and experience it for yourself, knowing that someone will help you.

Can I come just for the dharma talk on Saturday?

Yes. You can come to the short period of zazen (meditation) at 9:00 before the Dharma talk or arrive at 9:20 am during the 15 minute break between zazen the start of the Dharma talk. The dharma talk begins at 9:35 am.

What if I arrive late to zazen (Zen meditation) or the Dharma Talk?

Though it best to be timely in arriving at the zendo, sometimes things arise that delay us. Please do not avoid coming to the zendo because you are running late – simply enter quietly so as not to disturb others and take a seat with as little fuss as possible.

Who gives talks and teachings?

Dharma talks at Ocean Gate are given by the two Guiding teachers and by senior members of the sangha. Visiting teachers occasionally also give talks.

There seem to be particular ways of doing things in Zen, how do I know what to do, and what if I get it wrong?

It is important to know that we welcome everyone, there is no expectation that newcomers know the customs and forms of Soto Zen, and there is always someone who can help you as you go along. There are some things like bowing to our cushion before we sit, that we all do. Other things, like attending ceremonies and services, that some choose not to do, and that is fine,

Many of us feel embarrassed or nervous about making a mistake – we are worried that getting things wrong will bring judgment. But that is not the spirit of our practice. Learning and making mistakes are a part of the whole of our life together so we cultivate an attitude of attentiveness, caring, and good humor for ourselves and each other.

As you come to various functions, and watch others, gradually you will become familiar with the way we do things. Everyone takes time to get used to the forms and everyone has different physical needs and abilities. Through participation, watching others, and not allowing the judging mind of success or failure to derail your engagement, you learn and grow in the practice.

It is helpful to attend one or more, sessions of Zazen Instruction (on first Saturdays) in which the forms in the zendo are covered. And check the calendar for our next regularly scheduled Introduction to Zen class.

How to I join in the life of the community at Ocean Gate?

One great way to build your connection with the sangha (community) is to volunteer. No matter how much or how little time you have to give, there’s an opportunity for you – everything from joining the team that washes tea cups on Saturday morning, or helping with social media and creating posters for an event, to learning how to ring the bells for zazen and service, and more. Keep in mind that some things can be done remotely so don’t assume you have to be onsite to help. 

How do I learn more about Zen practice at Ocean Gate?

There are many good ways to get to know more about practice at Ocean Gate. Join in zendo activities and learn by being a part of the community.  Attend one (or more) of the regularly scheduled Zazen Instruction sessions, as well as Introduction to Zen, attend classes. Ask questions, all are welcome. Join our email list. And you’ll find an up-to-date calendar on our website.

Who can I go to with questions?

Please feel free to ask questions, they are the way we find our way in the practice. When you come to the zendo, there will be a greeter who will be happy to answer immediate questions, and you are welcome to ask questions of any sangha members. We have regularly scheduled Zazen Instruction where your questions about the practice will be answered by a senior member of the sangha. We also have other forums, such as classes and discussion groups, where questions are welcome. Day-to-day questions about the schedule or events can easily be answered by visiting our website or sending us an email.

Do I have to have a formal relationship with one of the teachers?

No. It can be very helpful, but it is not necessary to have a formal relationship with one of our teachers. Everyone is welcome to come to share in the practice at Ocean Gate in whatever way works for them. Learn more by clicking these links for our teachers Rev. Shinshu Roberts and Rev Daijaku Kinst, and our ethical guidelines and Zen teacher/student relationships.

What are the ceremonies I see in the calendar? Do I need to go to them?

You are welcome to join in the ceremonies we have and experience them for yourself, but it is also just fine not to. They are a part of the Sōtō Zen practice and a way of joining together as a community and celebrating central aspects of our tradition. We have monthly ceremonies in which we reaffirm our intention and commitment to follow the precepts (the ethical foundation of our tradition), and ones in which we honor our teachers who have passed. We also have annual ceremonies honoring Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death, extending respect and support to all those who are in distressing circumstances, and those who have died. Often, these annual ceremonies are held on Saturdays and a discussion of them is a part of that week’s dharma talk.

Am I expected to pay for these activities? How is Ocean Gate supported?

No. Our offerings, including zazen, dharma talks, ceremonies, and services are offered freely. We may have a suggested donation for classes etc, however, participation in any offering at Ocean Gate is never dependent upon a person’s ability to make a donation.

Our temple is supported solely through donations and the efforts of the teachers and sangha members. Donations are gratefully received and can be made online through our website, monthly pledges, or dropped in the box in the entryway.

Do Buddhists consider Buddha a god?

No. When the Buddha was asked “Are you a god or are you a man?” the Buddha replied “I am awake.” Shakyamuni Buddha (lit. awakened one) was an historical figure born in India named Siddhartha Gautama (c. 485-405 BCE), who founded a path now called Buddhism. Gautama Buddha died in his 80’s after a long life of teaching the Dharma (lit. that which upholds/the teachings). Buddha founded a path to follow; he did not create a world and there is no expectation that Buddha will engage in divine intervention. Rather the Buddha offered us teachings and practices for us to follow if we choose.

Why do we meditate?

As with many traditions that originated in Asia, meditation is central to Zen Buddhist teachings and practice. In meditation we deepen our understanding of the true nature of reality (wisdom), and our compassion for ourselves and others. In Soto Zen we practice what is called shikantaza (just sitting) or zazen (seated meditation). While there are many benefits to meditation, Soto Zen teaches that the primary reason we sit is because shikantaza is the practice of awakening and by practicing awakening we transform our lives. Everyone is thought to benefit from meditation. Learn more about the practice of zazen here.

Why do people bow?

Zen Buddhists bow as a form of respect for one another, and for the teachings and practice we have received from those who have gone before us. When we bow, we offer gratitude. You are welcome to join, and if you do not wish to, that is also just fine. See more on bowing in the Elements of Zen Practice.

Why are incense, candles and flowers offered on the altar?

As in many traditions, Zen Buddhist temples offer incense as well as the light from candles and flowers as a way to honor and express our gratitude to all who came before us, the teachings that guide us, and the awakening that is our true nature. 

Because many people are sensitive to the smoke of incense, we use it quite sparingly, and offer lavender buds instead.

Are there ethics in Zen Buddhism?

Yes, ethics are a foundational element in all Buddhist traditions. The Bodhisattva precepts are the basis of our practice and life together. They are not commandments given to humans by a god. They were developed in and from the experience of the community that formed around the Buddha when he began teaching. Fundamentally, they articulate the ways we can live together in peace and not cause harm to ourselves or others.

What about gender in Soto Zen Buddhism, is everyone considered equal?

Yes, the founder of Soto Zen, Eihei Dogen, stated in the 13th century, that all people are fully capable of realizing the teachings. In the teachings of Soto Zen gender is not used to indicate status, for example ordinations are equal for all. That is not to say delusion does not exist in this regard, or that all societal structures live up to this. It means that there is no basis for inequality in the teachings. At Ocean Gate we carry this tradition forward and welcome all people

What is the small cloth square that some people wear?

It is called a rakusu (rock-su), a small version of Buddha’s robe, and is worn by anyone who has committed to following Soto Zen teachings and the Bodhisattva precepts in their lives. To take this step, a person practices with the community for some time, settles in themselves that this is a path they want to follow, and meets with a teacher to request taking the precepts. They then sew the rakusu by hand (with guidance from our Sewing Teacher), as a meditation practice.

Some people are wearing larger square clothes over robes, what does that mean?

People who wear robes at our zendo are priests. They have taken responsibility for the tradition and serving the community. The large square cloth worn over the shoulder, called an okesa (o-kay-sa), is another version of Buddha’s robe and it is also sewn by hand. Novice priests (priests in training) wear a black okesa, teachers wear brown okesa. 

What is a priest?

A priest in the Sōtō Zen tradition is someone who commits their life to carrying on the Soto Zen tradition and serving the community. Lay and priest practice are equal paths of depth and challenge. A priest is ordained first as a Novice priest, and undergoes training in the many aspects of practice and service (study of the teachings, ritual forms, giving dharma talks, caring for the sangha, and intensive practice sessions as well as knowledge of how to support the community in practical matters) – over a number or years.

What is a Zen teacher?

A Zen teacher is a priest, who has trained and practiced for many years and who has been recognized by their teacher as a dharma heir, a lineage holder who is responsible for teaching, guiding, and leading others in the study and practice of the tradition. Sometimes, senior teachers are called roshi (old teacher). A teacher has strong bonds with other teachers in the tradition and they are accountable to the sangha and the tradition, as a whole, for their behavior. 

When might I ask to meet with a teacher? How do I do that?

Zen is passed “down warm hand to warm hand” and meeting with a teacher is an important part of that process. If you practice at Ocean Gate and would like to discuss you practice with a teacher, please contact us through the website.

Once you have met with a teacher, it is good to check in periodically -  just knowing you are going to go can boost your commitment to your practice and how you are living it in your life. There is a richness to such meetings that is not predicated on having a particular question. However, if you do not want to meet with a teacher, it is not necessary. 

Do I have to be a vegetarian to practice Zen Buddhism?

No, this is a personal choice. All food at the temple, and in other community settings, is vegetarian.

What is Ocean Gate Zen Center’s relationship with Japanese Zen?

At Ocean Gate, we have a longstanding relationship with Japanese Sōtō Zen. Both of our guiding teachers, Shinshu and Daijaku, hold appointments as International Teachers in Soto Zen Buddhism, Tokyo Japan. Our teachers are committed to continuing to remain close to the roots of our tradition in Japan while, at the same time, adapting and changing according to the needs of our American culture.