Louisville Zen Center
Zen practice has long emphasized mentorship and guidance. At Louisville Zen Center, support is offered through group sessions, one-on-one instruction, and Zen talks. Below is a brief overview of what’s available. For dates, please visit our home page and calendar.
This workshop is ideal for newcomers, those seeking a refresher, or anyone interested in practicing in the Rochester Zen Center lineage. It covers posture, breathing, equipment, walking meditation, and more.
In-person workshops begin with instruction at 5:30 p.m. We take a brief break around 6:20, followed by practice from 6:30 to 7:30. After a simple, 10-minute cleanup, we wrap up with tea and final questions until about 8:00 p.m. Suggested donation: $20 (cash, check, or PayPal). To register, email us.
For online workshops, we recommend those offered through the Rochester Zen Center, led by Sensei Jissai Prince-Cherry. Info and registration are available here.
Dokusan (Private Instruction)
Dokusan is a private, one-on-one teaching encounter with a fully authorized Zen teacher, available exclusively to Center members. It focuses primarily on core aspects of practice—such as zazen, posture, and breathing—but personal matters closely connected to one’s sitting practice are also welcome.
Sensei offers dokusan both at Louisville Zen Center (in-person and online) and at Rochester Zen Center (online; in-person when she is in residence). Please check both calendars for her availability. If none of the scheduled times work for you, Center members are welcome to contact her directly to arrange an alternative meeting time.
Teisho is a formal Dharma talk given by a fully authorized teacher. It’s more than just a lecture or sermon—teisho is considered to be a direct expression of the teacher’s realization, delivered from the depth of their own practice and understanding.
Unlike formal Dharma talks or teisho, encouragement talks are short (10 minutes or less) and address common challenges in zazen—like sleepiness, restlessness, or doubt—offering practical support and reminders that struggle is part of the path.