Activities


​Louisville Zen Center offers beginning and continuing meditation instruction, Zen meditation sessions, work practice  opportunities, meditation retreats, and other activities and events to support our members and the wider community both online and in-person.  Activities are open to adults 18 years of age and over (and teenagers if accompanied by a parent or older friend). Newcomers, beginners, and experienced meditators are warmly welcomed.


​​To join us in-person at Heart of Perfect Wisdom Zendo

  • Participants are asked to follow our forms and customs as well as Heart of Perfect Wisdom Zendo (HPWZ) guidelines. 
  • All must be fully vaccinated and boosted. Show proof of COVID-19 vaccination by emailing us a photo of your vaccination card beforehand or bring it with you.
  • We ask that you do not come in-person if you test positive for COVID-19, someone in your household tests positive, or if you have symptoms; join us online instead. 
  • We regularly monitor CDC COVID-19 Community Levels to decide when to take additional precautions. Community Levels can be LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH:
    • LOW 
      • You may choose to mask (or not mask) at any time.
    • MEDIUM
      • We operate air purifiers in the common areas.
      • We increase distance between meditation seats.
      • Chanting services will be done while masked. 
    • HIGH. We implement MEDIUM level precautions and:
      • Masking is required EXCEPT when sitting silently at your zendo seat. In other words, please mask for chanting, the rakusu verse, The Four Vows, and while in motion (i.e. arriving, departing, and during kinhin), but masking isn't necessary while doing zazen at your zendo seat.
      • We can still chat after the sitting (while masked), but no refreshments will be served unless we go outdoors.

Updated Aug. 8, 2022

​​To join us online

  • Join our Zoom meetings here or enter Meeting ID: 820 029 536 and Passcode: Louisville

  • Upon entering the online zendo, microphones will be muted. Please remain muted during the sitting, but do turn up your volume to clearly hear bells and announcements.  

  • For sittings, arrange your seat in a quiet place preferably facing the wall or other blank surface.  Sit side-on to (not facing) your camera

  • Consider where to do walking meditation. If there’s little space then pace back and forth in a line or walk slowly around your seat; you may also simply stand or stretch off-camera.

  • Position your camera so we can see you sitting and, if possible, walking with us.

  • Setting up an altar with an inspiring figure or picture is nice, but not required.  Light incense, if desired. 


​Cost

There is no fee for participating.  Louisville Zen Center operates as much as possible on dana (or giving).  We suggest non-members give about $5 - $10 when attending but any contribution, large or small, will be much appreciated.  No one is EVER turned away for lack of payment. To make an ongoing commitment while supporting the mission of the Center, please consider membership.