Starting Zen Practice
The Great Wave Zen Sangha asks that if you wish to attend our weekly meetings, that you call first to register for a 50-minute orientation session; orientations are held on the last Sunday of each month from 6:30 – 7:30 PM. To register, please call 231-843-7116 or 231-845-5559 or use our contact form. The orientation will give you a good overview of the form of our practice, so that you will feel comfortable during the meditation sessions. Please wear loose, dark-colored, simple clothing to the orientation and avoid strong perfumes, colognes, or conspicuous jewelry. After the orientation, we hope you will stay for the regular meditation meeting which runs from 7:30 to about 8:30 PM.
Additionally, once you have been oriented, there may also be opportunities for you to join in longer meditation retreats (either Sesshin or Zazenkai). Just check our website events calendar. You may also ask to be added to our mailing address and/or subscribe to our text messaging alert system. (Use the widget in the right-hand column to sign up for text alerts.)
If you are unable to come to Great Wave but would like to practice Zazen on your own, you may find it useful to read the following books:
Everyday Zen: Love and Work by Charlotte Joko Beck, Sensei
Taking the Path of Zen by Robert Aitken, Roshi
The Three Pillars of Zen by Phillip Kapleau, Roshi
What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula
Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki
Appreciate Your Life by Taizan Maezumi, Roshi
On Zen Practice: Body, Breath, and Mind by Taiza Maezumi and Bernie Glassman
