Louisville Zen Center
How do I get started?
Attend the Introduction to Zen Meditation workshop, where you'll learn the basics. Afterward, you can join most of our activities and become a member.
What if I already meditate?
We ask all attendees to follow Louisville Zen Center's forms. Please arrive 15 minutes early for a brief orientation before your first sitting.
What if I still have questions after the workshop?
Zen is a mentor-based path. We offer ongoing meditation instruction to help with questions and support your practice.
Do I need to bring my own cushions?
Feel free to bring your own. However, traditional meditation cushions are provided at Heart of Perfect Wisdom Zendo (HPWZ) and yoga props at Infinite Bliss Yoga (IBY).
What should I wear?
Wear loose-fitting clothes. Avoid jeans for cross-legged sitting and opt for skirts that are comfortable for leg-crossing.
How can I get more involved?
Become a member! Participate in sittings, retreats, and activities to deepen your connection with the sangha. Volunteering is also a great way to engage.
What is the stick for?
The encouragement stick is used to rouse energy and relax muscles, helping with focus during meditation. It is applied only upon request and never punitively.
Do I have to receive the stick?
No, it’s always voluntary and not applied to pregnant women.
How do I ask for the stick?
Place the hands palm-to-palm as the zendo monitor approaches. Remain in that position until the monitor touches your right shoulder with the stick, then drop the hands in your lap keeping the head still and shoulders relaxed. You will be tapped twice on each shoulder at points corresponding to acupuncture meridians. After the stick has been applied, again raise the hands palm-to-palm briefly as a sign of gratitude before returning them to the sitting meditation position.
Why do you chant?
Chanting cultivates a state of oneness and helps deepen meditation. Understanding the words is secondary to the meditative state it brings.
How can I learn to chant?
Listen to sutra chanting and practice. To find your chanting voice:
First, read the text in your regular speaking voice allowing the pitch to rise and fall naturally.
Next, read the same text in a monotone without allowing the pitch to "rise".
Keep reading the text in a monotone. Divide the words into even, choppy syllables.
Soften and relax the choppiness by slurring syllables together to form one continuous drone of sound.
Allow the monotonic droning to resonate in the chest and head cavities.
What is the bib-like garment?
The rakusu is a traditional vestment that signifies a commitment to Zen practice. In our Zen lineage, those who have met certain criteria, which includes Jukai (taking the precepts ceremony), may receive a brown one. Senior students who join the Three Jewels Order receive a black one. Fully-sanctioned teachers wear a gray one.
What is the Three Jewels Order (3JO)?
The 3JO is a Buddhist order of committed priests and householders who focus on service to Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. They lead, teach, and serve our community.
Who makes decisions at the Center?
Louisville Zen Center operates on the principle of dana (generosity) and is run entirely by volunteers. Our Group Leader oversees spiritual matters, supported by zendo monitors and other volunteers. The Board of Directors handles financial and administrative matters to ensure the remaining aspects of the Center runs smoothly.