Getting Started through an Introductory Workshop

Whether you are completely new to Buddhism or already have a spiritual practice and want to sit at the Vermont Zen Center, the most in-depth way to get started is to attend an Introductory Workshop.

• If you are curious about Buddhism—Workshops give an overview of the life of the Buddha and the development of the Buddhist Path.

• If you want to learn how to meditate—Workshops have in-depth instruction in the postures, practices, and forms of Zen meditation (zazen).

• If you are new to Zen and looking for support—Workshops introduce you to the teacher and community of the Vermont Zen Center.

• If you are experienced in Zen and looking for a place to practice—Workshops are our most thorough point of entry. By coming to a Workshop you have taken the first step to membership in the Vermont Zen Center.

Getting Started through Receiving Instruction

The most readily available way to get started at the Zen Center is to come for orientation and instruction prior to or just after regularly scheduled zazen. There is no charge.

Best times to come:

• Tuesday and Thursday evening at 6 p.m.
• Sunday morning at 8 a.m.

Evening sittings are Tuesday and Thursday from 6:45-8:30 p.m. Other events, such as ceremonies and discussions are sometimes included during the evening. A chanting service is held alternating Tuesdays and Thursdays at around 8 p.m.

Sunday sittings are from 9-11 a.m. and consist of sitting and walking zazen and a talk by Sensei Graef.

Please let us know if you are coming so that a senior member can provide instruction and orientation in the fundamentals of Zen meditation. On occasion, the Center is closed for holidays or sesshin retreats, so it’s important to contact the office before coming.

After orientation and instruction, newcomers are welcome to join others in the zendo (meditation hall) for the rest of the sitting. Once you have received instruction, you may attend weekday morning sittings whenever you wish. If you wish to become a trial member, you may also attend evening and Sunday morning sittings, and are eligible to receive private instruction from Bob Rice, one of Sensei Graef's senior students.

It is not necessary to receive instruction every time you come unless you would like a refresher course. The person in charge of the sitting can help you with any questions you might have before or after the sitting.

Getting Started Reading

• Reading List —There are many excellent books on Buddhism and Zen. We have a short reading list to get you started.

Getting Started FAQs

• Are newcomers welcome? Newcomers are always welcome to attend morning sittings. However, it is a good idea to call ahead and let us know you are coming. Occasionally the Center is closed due to sesshin retreats or holidays.
  
  
• What should I wear? Loose, comfortable clothes are recommended. Please do not wear shorts or sleeveless shirts. Jeans are usually too tight for comfortable sitting.
  
  
• I already belong to a house of worship. Is that okay? Yes, it is. Zen practice does not require believing in specific doctrines.  There are Zen Center members who also attend church or synagogue.
  
  
• Is Zen practice compatible with Twelve Step Programs? Absolutely. The practices of Zen are both similar to and enhance Twelve Step Programs.
  
  
• Is it necessary to have some background in Zen Buddhism before coming to the Center?  No, it is not. Zen practice is not about learning or knowing in an intellectual, conceptual sense. Rather, it is the direct, concrete experience of life just as it is.
  
  
• What about reading? The best way to learn about Zen is to practice Zen. If, however, you would like to do some reading, we have a short recommended reading list.
  
  
• I am unable to fold my legs and sit on a cushion. Are there any other options? Yes. Many people sit on chairs rather than cushions. There are always chairs in the meditation room.
  
  
• Do I have to become a member to sit at the Center? If you wish to attend morning sittings only, it is not necessary to join the Center. If you wish to attend the occasional evening or Sunday sitting you can become a friend of the Center. Membership is for those who wish to support the Center. Members may attend all sittings, participate in ceremonies and retreats and receive private instruction from Sensei Graef.
  
  
• If I don’t live in the area can I still participate? Many of our members do not live in Vermont. Out-of-town members come to sit at the Center when they are able, attend retreats as their situations permit, and maintain their sitting practice with groups in their area or on their own.