More energy, more concentration, more peace, more love, more kindness
Zen is a form of Buddhist meditation—there is nothing to believe in, and nothing special to do or be—no special robes, no shaved heads (unless that’s what you happen to want), no special anything. We simply sit down on a cushion or chair and learn to pay attention to what is going on.

How to get started
Attend Free Introduction to Meditation Classes
The online Introduction to Meditation class is the first Wednesday of each month on zoom and in person.
We also offer an in person only Introductory Class each Sunday morning in our zendo from 10-11:15am.
Classes are not sequential and roll around week by week, so you can tune into any class and start right away.
For more details about our Introduction to Zen Meditation options, click here to start.

Intro To Zen Talks
We have two sets of talks by Henry Shukman that serve as good introductory material to Zen practice — audio and video.
Audio
The Origin of Zen Buddhism
This talk begins with the story of the Buddha, which means, “awakened one.”
Why Meditate (Part 1)?
As we cultivate present-moment awareness, we are training ourselves to really experience what we are experiencing right now.
Why Meditate (Part 2)?
This talk explores why it’s worth practicing meditation, in a broader context.
Three Fruits of Zen Practice
This talk explores the three fruits of Zen practice.
Five Kinds of Zen
This talk covers the five kinds of zen: ordinary practice, outside practice, lesser vehicle practice (Theravada), greater vehicle practice (Mahayana) and supreme way practice.
Three Essentials of Zen Practice
This talk covers three elements that the 11th century master Tahui and the 18th century master Hakuin developed as “essential” to serious Zen practice.
Video

Mindful Meditation Starters
Here are some “meditation starters” to help you get started – and get settled – in meditation.
We recommend that you set up on a chair or on a cushion, and then play these one by one (in the displayed sequence). Use them to start up your practice sessions either at home or at work.
Please choose a quiet place where you are unlikely to be disturbed, switch off your phone, and drop in.
By all means allow yourself to sit longer than the recording itself, as your schedule permits. Enjoy.
Sitting Mindfully
This first audio in our series of “meditation starters” helps you get down the basics of sitting mindfully in meditation. We recommend listening to this one first. It should give you all you need to start actually having a practice on your own
Posture
Setting up a good posture; 3 pointed structure to our foundations, a tripod… balanced, relaxed alignment of the body.
Swaying
Using a subtle swaying movement to establish your position and find stillness – a technique recommended by the 13th century Zen Master Dogen.
Rotation
Using a gentle rotation movement to help set your position, establish alignment and find stillness.
Counting Breaths
Counting breaths, using this ancient meditation tradition to “observe the fact that we humans are breathing beings.”

Guided Meditations from Henry Shukman
Here are some short guided meditations to help – and deepen – your ongoing practice.
We recommend that you set up in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed, on a chair or a cushion, and play whichever of these you are drawn to.
The meditations with Mu are for people who are beginning to sit with this first koan.
By all means allow yourself to sit longer than the recording itself, as your schedule permits. Enjoy.
Exploring Space
Sit quietly and listen to the soundscape around you; there is just one single space between you and the sounds you hear. Rest in this this single space of awareness.
Body, Space and Mu
Henry’s guidance invokes body awareness and sensate aliveness. Awareness is one pervasive alive space that receives Mu.
Mu Meditation Intro
Henry helps you tune into the body’s broad, spacious awareness and guides you to begin sitting with Mu.
Space in the Day
Turn off your consuming mind and sit comfortably for this soothing guided meditation that helps you make space in your busy day and open to a gentle exploration of awareness.
Settling In
Sit quietly and open up to the human experience of simply being alive – here and now. Rest in the space between the crown of your head and your seat.
Restful Awareness
Find intrinsic rest in this short meditation. There is nothing to seek or attain – simply rest in how things are.
Resting. Settling, Grounding
Henry gentle guides you through your body to rest, settle, and melt into a grounded and healing awareness of your being. Get a taste of how sweet it is to let go of mental and physical tension while opening up to the space where all sensations arise.
Space for Feelings
Meet all sensations and feelings in your body/mind with a tender, warm and compassionate welcome, giving space to whatever arises.