Two good ways to begin zazen at home are to join us at the zendo for zazen instruction and to review the information on the Zazen Instruction page.

At the zendo, we will provide individual help with posture and details of the practice and an opportunity to ask questions.  Please note that all our scheduled periods of zazen are offered on Zoom, so you may join us from home.

To sit zazen at home, find a room, a corner, or any space where you can spend some uninterrupted, quiet time in meditation every day; a place where you will not be distracted by electronics or other demands for your attention. Turn off your phone.

Honor this space, and yourself, by keeping it reasonably clean and tidy, and if possible, devoted to your practice. However, what is most important is to work with what you have and make the most of it. No place is perfect, and dealing with unavoidable distractions - both inner and outer - are a part of the practice.

It is best to develop a schedule and keep at it, unless there are truly urgent demands you need to meet. Be sane, balanced, and kind when you decide your schedule and the length of time you sit. It is best to sit for a shorter time regularly, then than longer less frequent periods. But again, work with your circumstances and kindly return again and again to your intention.

When and how long you sit will probably depend, in part at least, upon your work schedule, your relational life, and other factors. This is a reflection of our interconnected lives. It’s not a problem, just a condition of your life. Develop a plan, see how it goes, adapt if needed, and as things change. It is ideal to have a timer with a clear and pleasant sound to end your meditation session. There are many apps with meditation timers that work well, however, it is best to not have your phone or other electronic distractions close by. So, a separate timer is often the best option.

When you decide on the place and the time, sit down and meditate. Just do it, not perfectly or with everything in order. Just do it. Even if you squirm around or feel that you are getting nowhere, please just kindly and steadily stay on your cushion. Take care with your posture, your body, and your mind. Sit in a posture that is doable. Discomfort, restlessness, and scattered thoughts are normal. If your posture becomes painful and distracting, quietly shift position and settle again. Discover a position that works for you. Experiment, find what works, and settle. When we end a period of zazen we dedicate the time and effort we have given to it, to the benefit of all beings. This simple act of dedication reminds us of our intimate connection with all that exists.