Saturday Mornings at Ocean Gate
Come As You Are

Saturday mornings at Ocean Gate are an opportunity to come as you are, sit zazen together, learn about Zen practice and teachings, and to come together as a community.

Everyone is welcome and this is a great place to start if you are new to Zen or to our temple.  Someone will be there to show you around and answer your questions.

If you are new to Zen practice, we also invite you to attend Zazen Instruction offered at 8:30 am,  the first Saturday of the month.

Learn more about our morning program, and how to get started below.

Arriving

If this is your first time at Ocean Gate, it is ideal to arrive a few minutes early so you have time to take off your shoes, hang up your coat and get acquainted with the zendo. Someone will show you around, and you can get settled in a seat. Having said that, if you are running late, know that: “Come as you are” means just that - you are welcome, and we are happy you have taken the time to join us.

Sitting Zazen

Someone will show you to a seat. Find a posture that is workable for you. Cushions, meditation benches, and chairs are available. The zazen period begins with three bells and ends with one. After the period ends, rise gently, take your time, and then stand facing into the room. The teacher will say a few words of welcome, and there will be an informal tea break before the talk. 

Dharma Talk

A Dharma talk is a time to learn about Buddhist teachings and how they can be integrated into our lives. It is traditional for the speaker to enter the zendo and do three bows before they take their seat. During this time, you will notice people placing their hands together palm to palm (gassho). This is a sign of respect. Before the talk begins, we recite a short chant expressing our gratitude and respect for the teachings. Someone will pass out chant cards, and you can follow along as you feel appropriate.

Questions and Answers

This is a time for anyone to ask a question about the talk. All questions are welcome - more than welcome, questions are essential for us as we learn how these teachings apply to our lives. This is a time to be at ease, enjoy the questions that are asked, and ask your own.

After the questions and answers there is second short chant that is included on the chant card, followed by a few announcements. The speaker rises, does three bows, and exits.

After the speaker exits there is another opportunity to get to know the community and help - if you have time - setting up the zendo for the next day.