New to Sanshin?
If you're new to Sanshin, or to Zen practice, we invite you to learn about us, meet others who practice, and explore the resources we make available to beginning and experienced practitioners. Our facilities are closed for the time being, but we are offering some virtual practice opportunities. You may wish to look over our About Sanshin and Sanshin Style pages and peruse our Newsletter Gallery to get a sense of who we are and what happens here. We have answers to frequently asked questions here. Getting Started in Home Zen Practice Third Tuesdays, 7:30 - 9 pm Eastern time in the US Next session: March 16, 2021 This free session is a great place to begin your Zen practice in the Sanshin style while staying safely at home. Become familiar with the sitting and walking practices that are at the core of what we do; explore what happens with body, breath and mind; ask your questions and participate in practice discussions; and get a preview of upcoming Sanshin activities and events. You may attend once or as many times as you like; activities will match the needs of those who attend on any particular evening. Experienced practitioners looking for help with practice questions are also very welcome. We ask you to register below simply so that the night before your session we can safely get you the Zoom link you'll need in order to participate. If you sign up less than 24 hours before a session, we'll put you into the one for the following month. Please note that 7:30 pm in Bloomington is the middle of the night overseas. If you're outside of North America, we suggest learning to sit with a Sanshin Network member who is geographically closer to you. |
Resources for zazenOkumura Roshi's written instructions for zazen
More zazen instruction from Okumura Roshi Sotoshu's written instructions for zazen Sotoshu's brochure: The Practice of Zazen Sotoshu's instructions for chair zazen Audio recording of zazen instruction Manners in the zendo Soto Zen: An Introduction to Zazen [free downloadable booklet] |
Zazen
Monday - Friday at 6:10 am; Sunday at 9:10 am; evenings at 6:30 pm
Now that you know how to do zazen, there are multiple opportunities throughout the week to join us for practice. See our virtual practice page.
Dharma discussion
Most Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8 pm
We read together and discuss a chapter of our current dharma book selection; at this time, we're reading Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind. See our virtual practice page.
Dharma talks
Sundays, 10:10 - 11 am
For information about practice forms for Sunday mornings, please see this page.
Our abbot, Shohaku Okumura, or a senior member of the community speaks about a text, teaching or element of practice. These talks are not aimed at beginners, but they are a great way to get some grounding in Zen teachings and ask your questions about the topic of the day. See our virtual practice page.
Monday - Friday at 6:10 am; Sunday at 9:10 am; evenings at 6:30 pm
Now that you know how to do zazen, there are multiple opportunities throughout the week to join us for practice. See our virtual practice page.
Dharma discussion
Most Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8 pm
We read together and discuss a chapter of our current dharma book selection; at this time, we're reading Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind. See our virtual practice page.
Dharma talks
Sundays, 10:10 - 11 am
For information about practice forms for Sunday mornings, please see this page.
Our abbot, Shohaku Okumura, or a senior member of the community speaks about a text, teaching or element of practice. These talks are not aimed at beginners, but they are a great way to get some grounding in Zen teachings and ask your questions about the topic of the day. See our virtual practice page.