Just Sitting

upright and still…

the practice

Soto Zen meditation (Zazen), as taught at Monterey Bay Zen Center, consists of sitting upright and still on floor cushions (zafu and zabuton), bench, or chair, while paying attention to the breath. Meditation is central to the practice of Zen Buddhism because through meditation people are able to observe the habitual patterns of their minds and learn to truly experience the present moment — the “here and now.”

Overview

A good place to start is by attending Zazen Instruction in person. These are usually held on the first Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. the Cherry Center in Carmel. This session is not required, but recommended, as it includes a basic introduction to sitting and walking meditation (kinhin), and to our customs. We can help you find a comfortable meditation posture. If you are unable to attend an introduction, please contact us to arrange a time that is convenient.

The instruction is followed by our weekly zazen, service and dharma talk.

Kinhin is practiced between zazen and the service. If you’d like to join, just bow upon entering the line forming outside the cushions after the ending meditation bell and follow the person in front of you. We take very small half steps in rhythm with the breath. After one bell, the line moves quietly and swiftly back to our sits and the assembly bows together.

How to prepare

Cushions, chairs, and benches are provided for meditation. Please wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing in dark and muted colors, with knees and shoulders covered. Avoid wearing perfumes or scented products, as some are allergic to them. Please turn off phones and watches.

Typically after zazen we offer a short service that includes bowing and chanting. You may participate or respectfully observe, but staying for service is not required. If you don’t wish to stay, just wait until everybody has returned to their cushions after kinhin. Then we bow once together and you’re welcome to either stay for service or leave.

What do I need to know about Zen meditation?

Be as quiet as possible upon entering and during meditation, and try to come on time. We sit facing the wall with a straight back, ears over the shoulders, and eyes slightly open. Please sit silently and practice normal breathing. If you have physical limitations, please inquire about alternative postures and feel free to do standing bows during service.

What if I arrive late?

If zazen has already begun, please enter quietly, bow and go directly to an open seat. If there is someone at the altar, or walking around with palms together, please stand at the door and wait to take your seat after three bells are rung.

Is there any cost to practice at Monterey Bay Zen Center?

No, there is no charge to practice. We do suggest donations at classes, lectures, sesshins (longer retreats) and other events. Donations are accepted gratefully as they provide support for us to continue our offerings.

Do I have to be a Buddhist?

No, you do not have to be a Buddhist to practice zazen. Our Soto Zen practice is compatible with other religions or faith traditions. Some of us identify ourselves as Buddhists, while others do not.

I don’t know if I can sit still that long. What if I become uncomfortable while meditating?

Discomfort often arises while sitting zazen; we practice not tightening up or moving away from discomfort. If you are in considerable pain, please use your own judgment in deciding whether to move. Before quietly adjusting your posture or cushions, please bow in your seat to let those around you know that you will be moving.

Introduction to Zen

Every 6 or 8 weeks, MBZC offers a 90+ minute introduction to the Buddhist Soto Zen tradition. Please consult our schedule and calendar to see when the next class is most likely to be offered. Please don’t wait: you will learn so much by doing. We do recommend our monthly zazen instruction and weekly activities to get started.