Louisville Zen Center
Zen has always been a mentor-based tradition. Because it's easy to get stuck in ideas about practice or to become mired in obstructive mind states, Zen practitioners throughout the centuries have sought guidance to help them along the way.
For those beginning Zen meditation, wanting a refresher, or new to practicing in the Rochester Zen Center lineage of Zen. This workshop covers meditation posture, types and use of meditation equipment, breathing, concentration, walking meditation, and more.
Instruction starts promptly at 5:30 p.m. so please arrive early. We take a short break around 6:20, practice what we've learned at 6:30~8:00, then wrap up with tea and final questions until around 8:20 p.m.
About once a month we offer either an in-person-only workshop at Infinite Bliss Yoga or a Zoom-only workshop. Upcoming workshop dates are shown on the home page and calendar. Email louisvillezen@gmail.com to sign up. In-person workshop slots are limited. We suggest a $10–$30 donation by cash, check, or Paypal.
Group Instruction
Group Instruction is offered monthly at 5:45 p.m. on Sunday evenings at Infinite Bliss Yoga. Exact dates of upcoming group instruction are shown on the home page and calendar. Those who have attended the Introduction to Zen Meditation workshop (or equivalent) are welcome to participate.
Group Instruction (GI) is a question-and-answer session led by a senior student in an informal group setting. It isn't, however, a group discussion period; participants aren't talking to each other. Discussion occurs between the individual questioner and the group instructor. Because it can be so helpful to hear the Q&A of others, all are encouraged to maintain confidentiality.
Private Instruction (daisan)
Daisan is a one-on-one meeting concerning one's practice and practice-related concerns. Parameters for what is discussed are quite broad. It may cover points about posture, breathing, and other instruction in Zen practice, or it may get into counseling-like territory. Those who have attended the Introduction to Zen Meditation workshop (or equivalent) are welcome to participate.
Members may schedule in-person or online daisan with our group leader. Both members and non-members may receive online daisan during Rochester Zen Center Zoom sittings on: (1) Wednesdays at 7-8 a.m. by request, or (2) Fridays at 7-8 p.m. Email louisvillezen@gmail.com to schedule a Wednesday morning meeting and/or for RZC Zoom access. See the home page and calendar for more information.
Dharma talks are commentaries on some aspect of Buddhist or Zen teaching or on the connection between Zen meditation and daily life. They are delivered during a formal block of sitting with listeners facing "out". Sometimes there is a question and answer session after the talk. Dates for upcoming Dharma talks are shown on the home page and calendar.
These are shorter Dharma talks delivered with listeners facing the wall.