Zen Meditation Practice Group

Basics for practicing Zen with Arizona Zen Buddhist Society at WVUU Church:

We meet at 5904 W Cholla Street inside the Sanctuary.
 
Here are the specifics of a typical Tuesday evening practice session:
 
6:45 - Beginners arrive for Zazen (meditation) instruction and etiquette instruction, various sitting postures are explained and demonstrated, along with demonstration and instruction in mudra (hand position), and in the mindfulness of breathing technique to be used. Kinhin (walking meditation) is explained and demonstrated. Bowing is explained and demonstrated, and the various Zendo etiquettes are briefly explained (shoes off at the door, minimal eye contact, quiet voice, etc.)
 
7:00 - Strike bowl three times to signify beginning of formal practice period, clap clappers twice - all stand up, One bow to the Sangha, three bows to the Buddha, take seats. Sutra service begins with one bowl strike followed by:
Chanting the refuges and precepts in Pali
Three bowl strikes - Chanting of the Heart Sutra.

 
Incense offering
 
7:10 - First of two 25 minute periods of silent Zazen begins with three bowl strikes, end of this period is signaled by one bowl strike.
 
7:35 - Two claps indicate start of five minute kinhin (walking meditation); all participants rise and step off their mat and turn silently to their left, then with hands properly positioned and eyes lowered kinhin proceeds clockwise around perimeter one time. When arriving back at your mat, stand in gassho awaiting clapper to signify time to sit down and get into position for second Zazen period.
 
7:40 - Second and final 25 minute period of Zazen begins with three bowl strikes, end of this period is signaled by one bowl strike.
 
8:05 - Three recitations of the four Bodhisattva Vows, followed by three prostrations to signify the end of the formal practice period.
 

*Sitting cushions and mats are limited, so bring a zafu or cushion to sit on and a zabuton or folded blanket to use as a mat*

If you would like more information contact Randy at 623-203-4299, or send email.