Workshop Schedule

   For those who seek an authentic and practical introduction to Zen Buddhism,workshops conducted by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede, Abbot of the Zen Center, and his assistants, provide a unique opportunity. During the workshop's schedule of lectures, question periods, demonstrations, and meditation, participants learn first-hand the body-mind disciplines of Zen training.

These workshops are periodically conducted at the Zen Center in Rochester, NY. In addition to providing an introduction to Zen Buddhism and to Roshi Kjolhede, the workshops are an ideal time to see how Zen training is carried on at the Center.

 


Senior members of the Center are available to answer any questions participants may have about the Zen Center and its programs. People who want to ask Roshi Kjolhede about their own spiritual practice are encouraged to do so during the question-and-answer periods.

Morning
Roshi Kjolhede opens the workshop with an introductory lecture on Zen, including a discussion of zazen (sitting meditation): what it is and how it is done. A question and answer period follows. Zazen postures, breathing, and techniques are then demonstrated and explained, followed by two twenty-minute rounds of zazen. A vegetarian lunch is served at about 1 p.m.

Afternoon
Stretching exercises helpful to zazen are demonstrated and explained. There are then one to two more twenty-minute rounds of zazen, after which Roshi Kjolhede speaks on how to relate Zen to one's daily life and how to deal with mental states and physical phenomena that may arise during zazen. He also offers advice on finding and working with a spiritual teacher. A question-and answer period follows. 

Information on membership and affiliated groups in other cities is available at the conclusion of the workshop. Sitting cushions are offered for sale, as well as various Zen Center publications. 

On the Sunday morning following the workshop, participants are invited to attend the teisho given by Roshi Kjolhede and the Zen chanting service and sitting which precede it.

 
In General
The workshops are open to interested adults; workshop acceptance for those under age 18 will be made on a case-by-case basis. Unfortunately, parents caring for infants or small children cannot be accommodated. As space is limited, reservations should be made in advance. If you need to cancel please let us know as soon as possible. Assume you are accepted unless you hear to the contrary.

Workshop participants are urged to wear clothing suitable for sitting in meditation. Skirts should be ample enough to sit with legs crossed, pants should be loose-fitting. Please do not wear hooded sweatshirts or shirts with wide-cut necks.

To go to the Workshop Reservation Form, click here .
 
Time
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please do not arrive before 9 a.m. You may either park on East Avenue near the entrance to Arnold Park or be directed to a parking lot by one of our staff posted there. 

Accommodations
Dormitory accommodations (without meals) for workshop participants are usually available at the Center, for $25 a night. Please call ahead to reserve. Or, if you wish to stay in a hotel, you can contact one of the following for lodging: 

Days Inn
384 East Avenue, telephone (585) 325-5010 
(two blocks from the Center. Corporate rate offered) 

Crown Plaza Hotel
70 State Street, telephone (585) 546-3450 
(Long walk or short drive to the Center, Religious rate offered.)

Strathallan Hotel
550 East Avenue, telephone (585) 461-5010
(Across the street from the Center. Corporate rate offered;
most expensive of the hotels listed here.)

Location 
Rochester Zen Center 
7 Arnold Park 
Rochester, NY 14607-2082
(One block west of Goodman Street and East Avenue) 

Telephone
(585) 473-9180

Fax
(585) 473-6846

 

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