Please don’t let unfamiliarity with Zen be a reason for not investigating Zen practice.  Participants at all levels of experience are always welcome.  Just let someone know you are visiting for the first time and we will provide some basic introduction.  For those who wish for a more formal entry, there are introductory workshops offered several times a year by the Cincinnati Zen Center.  Please check schedule at CZC. Click here to learn more.

Here is what to expect when you join us for a session or in our practice.  First, we find a comfortable sitting position.  Then we start off by chanting.  Chanting is a practice consistent worldwide among contemplative traditions.  When we chant, the singular voice interacts and merges with the group voice.  We recite chants from a variety of Zen lineages and in several languages.  Chant sheets are provided.  Then we continue to sit in silence without movement in stillness.

We generally sit for 25 to 30 minutes and then we do walking meditation.  When we walk, it is a continuation of our sitting meditation – we walk with mindfulness.  When we sit, we follow our breath.  Beginning meditators are often asked to count their breath - on the exhale - up to ten.  Then you begin back at one.  If you lose track, simply go back to one.  Your breath should be slow and regular, but not forced or artificially controlled.  Just breathe naturally and count.  You will inevitably find yourself distracted by sounds around you and thoughts within.  The way to handle them is to acknowledge them, but do not attach yourself to them.  Do not get involved with them.  Just let them be, let them go, and focus again on the breath.   Later, you will find that the same scant attention that you use for thoughts and sounds will work with physical feelings as well.