Your First Visit

We offer Sunrise Sits each weekday morning online, and Thursday evening liturgy and sitting practice in person at the Friends Meeting at Cambridge and via Zoom, as well as periodic Zazenkai (one-day retreats) and Sesshin (multi-day retreats). See our Schedule and Directions for details.

Those new to Zen practice are required to participate first in an orientation session. We generally offer newcomer orientations 30 minutes before the start of our Thursday evening sit. Our orientation provides information about Zen meditation, our liturgy and forms of practice, and answers to any questions you may have. You may schedule an orientation by using the contact form. Please read the meditation instructions before you arrive for your orientation.

It is customary in Zen practice to wear darker or more neutral colored clothing. This practice is particularly observed on our residential retreats (known as Sesshins). Since people are often on their way to or returning from work at our weekday sits, this practice is less strictly observed. Wear something simple and neat and avoid logos or bright, distracting patterns, if possible.  

If you already are familiar with Zen meditation, forms, and liturgy, you are welcome just to show up and join in. A description of our sangha’s forms and etiquette can be found here, and our sutra book can be found here.

If you are interested in reading about Zen, see Teachings or our list of recommended books.