Heart of Perfect Wisdom Zendo (HPWZ)

About

HPWZ is a private, residential, place of practice (hermitage) with a full daily schedule of zazen, work, services, and study, plus monthly Zen retreats. Out of respect for the training schedule, please refrain from dropping by outside of Louisville Zen Center sittings. Here is more practical information for practicing at HPWZ.


Parking

  • The address for HPWZ is 917 Rosemary Drive, Louisville, KY 40213. 
  • You may park in the driveway or on the cement pad directly in front of the building. Please pull forward so others may park behind you.
  • Street parking is only allowed on the north side of the street (same side as HPWZ). The south side is a fire lane; you may get ticketed or towed for parking there. For the convenience of our neighbors, please spread out, and take care not to block driveways or use others’ parking pads. Avoid parking on sidewalks or in grass.


Entering and using the building and grounds

  • Proceed down the driveway at HPWZ to the rear door to enter through the kitchen. The door opens 15 minutes before the schedule begins.
  • Remove shoes immediately upon entering. Place shoes, coats, and other items in the closet. Close the door to keep cats out of the closet.
  • Despite what they say (they can be pretty convincing!), please don’t let cats in or out of the house, invite them into the zendo, or feed them. Avoid picking them up or petting them excessively. Cats have teeth and claws.
  • You may use the zendo, cushion storage room, kitchen, dining room, bathrooms, and rear garden. Retreatants may also use the lower level lounge. Members may check out items from the Sangha library.
  • Please don’t enter bedrooms, office, other areas in the basement, or the garage. Don’t touch figures, artwork, or instruments.
  • The 1st floor bathroom (next to the kitchen) is primary. You may use the 2nd floor bathroom if the other is occupied.
  • To keep toilets flowing smoothly, don’t flush anything other than toilet paper. When finished, leave bathroom doors wide open so others know they are available.
  • Report injuries or property damage to Jissai as soon as possible.


Zendo

  • Traditional zazen equipment (zafus, zabutons, support cushions, meditation benches, and chairs) is provided, but feel free to bring your own.
  • To keep the zendo uncluttered, please don't take personal items to your seat (eyeglasses are o.k.). Lock valuables out of sight in your car.
  • In cold weather, bring or dress in layers. No blankets, shawls, wraps, coats, hats, or gloves are worn in the zendo.
  • At the end of sitting, leave no traces. Fluff the round cushion (zafu) and smooth the mat (zabuton). Ensure the back edge of the mat/chair is aligned with neighboring mats/chairs, and return extra cushions to the storage room.


Daily Schedule

Below is the usual Zen training schedule at HPWZ. It does not apply for retreats (zazenkai or sesshin), ceremonies, or other special events. This schedule is subject to change without notice.


Sunday

  • Zazen: 8:30 am - 10:30 am, includes chanting
  • Zazen: 6:30 pm - 8:15 pm


​Monday

  • Zazen: 9:30 am - 10:30 am
  • Zazen: 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm


Tuesday - Friday

  • Wakeup: 6:30 am
  • Zazen: 7:00 am – 8:00 am
  • Work Practice: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Zazen: 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
  • Work Practice: 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
  • Chanting: 4:30 pm - 4:45 pm
  • Zazen: 6:30 pm (Tue, Thu)  or 7:00 pm (Wed, Fri) until 8:00 pm
  • Dharma Study: 8:25 pm - 9:00 pm


Saturday

  • Wakeup: 6:30 am
  • Zazen: 7:00 am – 8:00 am
  • Work Practice: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Zazen: 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
  • Work Practice: 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm​​
  • Chanting: 4:30 pm - 4:45 pm