Study, Practice Intensives, and Extended Sitting Schedules
Another important part of practice at Ocean Gate are the classes, discussion groups, and other opportunities to study the teachings and learn together how they can enrich and inform our lives.
We also offer intensive study and practice sessions led by our teachers.
Regularly scheduled extended sittings, such as half-day and full-day sittings, provide a way to settle into and deepen zazen practice.
See our calendar here.
See our regular daily and weekly schedule here.
Extended Sit Schedules
Typical Half Day Sit Schedule
6:45 am Zazen (sitting meditation)
7: 20 am Kinhin (walking meditation)
7: 30 am Zazen
8:00 am Kinhin
8:10 am Zazen
8:40 – 8:50 am Service/chanting
8:50 – 9 am Rearrange zendo for Dharma Talk
9:00 – 10:30 am Come As You Are Dharma Talk (Public Lecture)
10:30 – 10:45 am Rearrange zendo, break, kinhin
10:45 – 11:15 am Zazen meditation
11:15 – 11:25 am Kinhin
11:25- 11:55 am Zazen
11:55 Closing service, Refuges
Half Day Sittings are alternating sitting (30 minute periods) and walking meditation. Beginners are welcome and encouraged to come to these activities as they are an excellent introduction to Soto Zen practice. More experienced practitioners are also encouraged as these sittings are a way to connect with deeper meditative experiences in the midst of our hectic daily lives. You are welcome to come to any part of the day.
Typical Saturday Full Day Sit Schedule
These sittings generally begin at 6:45 a.m. and end at 4 or 5 p.m. The schedule alternates zazen (30 to 40 minute periods) with 10 – 15 minutes periods of kinhin (walking meditation). Lunches are generally informal Oryoki meals.