YOUR FIRST VISIT
We welcome everyone who would like to get to know more about Zen practice in general and our Center in particular. Anyone may take part in any of our scheduled sittings, though because of the nature of the practice (one cannot just be a spectator) we ask that you plan for your first visit. The first option is to attend one of our Intro Nights, held on the 1st Tuesday of most months (see below). If you cannot make that, or if you want to get started before the next scheduled Intro Night, we ask that you arrive a full half hour (30-40 mins) before the start of any listed sitting to get oriented before formal rounds begin. Though it is not necessary, an email to contact@chicagozen.org alerting us that you will be coming is helpful on this end.
INTRODUCTION TO ZEN
Held on the 1st Tuesday of most months, our "Intro Nights" offer a chance for persons with little or no experience of meditation to get a feel for practice here at the Center. These are led by the Center's teacher, and they provide an overview of the practice, help getting established in a workable sitting posture, and time for questions before participating a round of zazen (two 25-minute periods of sitting with 5 minutes walking meditation in between) with Center regulars. Intro Nights begin promptly at 7:00pm. There is no charge, and no registration is required.
"BEGINNER'S" NIGHT
The Tuesday evening rounds are designed for those who may find full 50 minute rounds of sitting a bit daunting at first. These "Beginner's" Nights have three 25 minute rounds with 5 minutes of walking meditation in between (rather than two 50 minute rounds with 10 minutes walking meditation). Dokusan is offered on these evenings for beginners (if interested) and established practitioners alike. Though they are beginner-friendly, Tuesday evening sitting is in no way restricted to beginners.
If you're coming for the first time on one of these not-1st-of-the-month Tuesdays, please arrive between 6:50–7:00pm so you can get oriented before the 7:30pm start. Again, there is no charge, though an email alerting us that you will be arriving early is appreciated.