Introduction to Zen

Learn basic meditation methods that have been proven to:

• Improve concentration

• Detox from digital devices
  

• Reduce pain

• Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression

• Improve negative moods

• Lower blood pressure

• Decrease heart rate

• Increase blood circulation in parts of brain critical to emotional development

• Better understand end-of-life issues

Usually the First Saturday of every even month 9:30–11:00 a.m.

*Please register for the Introduction to Zen at least one week in advance by contacting registrar.

Next Orientations:

April 6th

June 1st

Suggested Donation: $10

Thursday Evening Zen Meditation

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. (Plan to be seated 5 minutes before 7pm.)

Zen meditation (Zazen), walking meditation (Kinhin), shared reading and discussion.

Suggested donation: $6, $3 (students/fixed income)
(MEZ Friends Free)

*On the 5th Thursday of the month there is a personal Intro to Zen possible by appointment.

Tuesday Evening Zen Meditation

7:00 – 9:15 p.m.

Zen Meditation (Zazen), sutra recitation, walking meditation (Kinhin), shared reading and discussion.

Suggested donation: $6, $3 (students/fixed income)
(MEZ Friends FREE)

*On the 5th Tuesday of the month there is no evening meditation.

Half-day of Zen
Usually first Sunday of every even month, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

The Half Day of Zen takes us out of our everyday routine for a while so that we can return to it more refreshed and open to life. It is sometimes assisted by MEZ Senior students and is always concluded with tea, cookies and open discussion.
Suggested Donation: $15 ($10 for Friends)

*See Special/Upcoming Events for the complete schedule.

Full Day of Zen
Usually the first Sunday of every odd month, 10:00a.m.–4:00p.m.

We deepen the qualities of calmness and clarity to live more aware and in better balance with family and work. In addition to seated and walking meditation, there is mindful eating and, weather permitting, outdoor walking meditation. We conclude with tea, cookies and open discussion.
Bring a bag lunch for the mindful eating.
Suggested Donation: $25 ($15 for Friends)

*See Special/Upcoming Events for the complete schedule.

Sesshin
Partial participation in Sesshin is possible. See Rev. Dai-En for more information or contact registrar.

For meditation dress comfortably in loose-fitting modest attire in solid or subdued colors. Leave all digital devices in your car.

The following Five Precepts promote harmony and well being for ourselves and others and are practiced while at MEZ:
1. Do not take life (including insects).
2. Do not take what is not given, and return what is borrowed.
3. Abstain from sexual activity.
4. Communicate truthfully. Do not speak falsely.
5. Abstain from drugs, alcohol and tobacco.