A Practical Introduction to Zen
Throughout the year the Rochester Zen Center offers in-person introductory workshops taught Sensei John Pulleyn or Sensei Donna Kowal and senior students.
Workshop participants have several opportunities during the day to ask questions, including specific inquiries about their own spiritual practice.
Day’s Schedule
The workshops are scheduled on Saturdays and begin at 9:30 a.m.
Morning
Sensei Pulleyn or Sensei Kowal opens the workshop with an introductory lecture on the principles of Zen and a discussion of Zen meditation. Following the lecture, zazen postures, methods of breathing, and methods of concentrating the mind are demonstrated and explained. The demonstration is followed by two 20-minute rounds of guided meditation.
Lunch
A vegetarian lunch is served at 1:00 p.m. This is a good opportunity for informal discussions with Zen Center staff members and volunteers and for viewing the photo exhibit of Zen Center activities that is displayed in the lobby.
Afternoon
Yoga and other stretching exercises that are helpful for meditation are demonstrated and explained. Next there are one or two more 20-minute rounds of guided zazen, after which Sensei Pulleyn or Sensei Kowal speaks on integrating Zen practice with daily life and how to deal with various mental states that may arise during zazen. They also offer advice on finding and working with a spiritual teacher. Light refreshments are served at the conclusion of the workshop – usually around 4:15 p.m. Membership information is distributed to those who are interested, and sitting cushions, books, incense, and other items are available for sale.
Workshop participants are invited to attend the next morning’s (Sunday) sitting, which includes a chanting service as well as a teisho (Dharma talk) given by Sensei Pulleyn or Sensei Kowal. On a regular basis, the Center’s Tuesday night sittings are designated as “beginners’ nights.” The rounds of zazen are shorter than usual, and during the sitting there are opportunities for group or individual instruction.
Workshop Registration
Zen Center workshops are open to interested adults; those under 18 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Regrettably, infants and small children cannot be accommodated during the workshop, although with prior notice arrangements can be made for nursing mothers.
You may register here or by calling the Zen Center for a workshop schedule and application. Since space is limited, please be sure to make a reservation. You may assume you are accepted unless you hear to the contrary. If you need to cancel please let us know as soon as possible; the workshop fee may then be refunded or applied to a subsequent workshop.
What to Wear
For zazen, it’s best to wear loose-fitting clothing; it’s difficult to meditate comfortably in jeans, for example. Clothing should be subdued in color. Please do not wear a top that bunches at the neck, such as a hooded sweatshirt, or that leaves the shoulders near the neck bare.
For Workshops at Chapin Mill
5357 Grist Mill Road
Batavia, NY 14020
585-473-9180 P
585-473-6846 F
Email: receptionist@rzc.org
For Workshops in Rochester
7 Arnold Park
Rochester, NY 14607
585-473-9180 P
585-473-6846 F
Email: receptionist@rzc.org
Time and cost
Registration begins at 9:00 a.m., and the workshop formally convenes at 9:30, concluding around 4:30 p.m. Please see the registration form for current fees. The cost of the workshop includes lunch.
Accommodations
Dormitory accommodations (without meals) for workshop participants are usually available at the Center for $25 a night. Please call ahead to reserve.
If you wish to stay in a hotel nearby, you may call the Center’s receptionist for guidance.