In order to fully appreciate the serene, healing and peace of Zen practice, it is recommended that you
follow these suggestions below to help you get the most out Zen.
What to bring to Zen Class
Meditation cushions (zafus) are supplied by the Sangha though you may wish to bring your own
pillows, rolled-up blankets, or a thin pad/blanket. Ideally, any zafu should raise your butt about 6-10
inches from the ground in a sturdy manner when you sit on it. If you are not comfortable sitting on the
floor, there are also chairs available.
Wear comfortable loose clothing to the class. Don’t wear jeans or tight fitting pants, especially around the waist. Wear track pants, shirts or even better wear loose fitting cotton pajama pants. Shirts should be comfortable and loose fitting as well. Bring a thin jacket, sweater, or throw to cover yourself up, just in case the temperature is a little cold in the room.
Have breakfast at least 1 hour before coming to class. It is usually not advisable to sit after a big meal. full stomach can create discomfort and cause sleepiness that is distracting to meditation. If you don’t eat breakfast, you might get hungry halfway through the class and during your meditation.
Try to have a full night’s rest the night before. If you come to class tired and did not have enough res
the night before, you’ll likely fall asleep during class. Your meditation session will not be enjoyable.
Refrain from using strong scent or perfumes. Some people may be allergic to them.
Arrive early, at least 5 or 10 minutes before class to find your seat and or set up a comfortable sitting area on the floor.
What to expect when coming to class
Class Regular Schedule
Zen sitting will begin 10:30 AM sharp. Unless otherwise instructed by the teacher, we will have silent sitting for the first 30 minutes followed by a Dharma Talk, then a brief question/answer period. Class will end at 12 noon.
Customs and Traditions in Zen
It is simple enough that you just follow directions of the teacher at beginning of class and keep silent when meditation is taking place. Zen practice involves respect and bowing to the linage of teachers who came before and to the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
During Dharma Talk, it is considered rude to ask questions since there is a designated Q&A period for questions from students. You can also approach the teacher at the end of the class to ask question of a more personal nature. Restrict your questions to those of practice questions, not those of intellectual context for debate. Zen isn’t about conceptual understanding but direct experience.
When addressing the teacher or greeting the teacher, it is customary to put your hands together in front of your chest and bow your head slightly down. In many traditions it is generally considered rude to address a teacher directly by first name although some people does, depending on the culture or traditions a teacher came from, a Zen teacher should be addressed as:
Our teacher or other teachers from Vietnamese Tradition – “Thầy” (Taye)
Other Zen teachers from Japanese Tradition: “Sensei” or “Roshi”.
Other teachers from Chinese Tradition: “Si Fu”
Other visiting teachers from Theravada or Buddhist Monastics: “Venerable”
There are several types of teachers in Buddhism and in Zen.“Root Teacher” is the teacher whom we take the Zen Vows and Three Gems Ceremony with the precepts. Our root teacher doesn’t necessary become our long term guiding teacher but most of the time it works out that way. Usually a teacher would give the Three Gems Ceremony and precepts to you but doesn’t necessary choose you as a disciple to guide personally. This usually entails entering into a long term relationship which is disciplined and not everyone is ready for a full commitment to embracing Zen. You can find out more about choosing a teacher or relating to a teacher here http://www.naturalawareness.net/guidance.htm#BuddhistLineages.
If you have any questions regarding traditions or Buddhism, you can request to talk with the teacher.
Suggested practice during the week
Zen is about practicing what we learn in class to fully experience and know the teachings. We suggest that you have 15 to 30 minutes a day meditation session at home in a quiet comfortable setting. Meditation time can be increase as you practice.
In order for the world to be at peace, we must find peace and cultivate peace within ourselves. This is the teachings of the Buddha
Zen Master and Peace Activist, Thich Nhat Hanh