Starting Zen Practice
The Great Wave Zen Sangha invites you to attend an orientation session; these are usually held on the last Sunday of any month at 6:30 PM. (Other times by arrangement.) If you’re interested in the orientation, 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 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. Once you have been oriented, you may join the regular meditation meetings which are held at the following times:
Sunday and Thursday from 7:30 to 8:40 PM
Additionally, there may also be opportunities for longer meditation retreats (either sesshin or zazenkai). Just check our website events calendar. Better yet, subscribe to our text messaging alert system. Just the text the word “waver” to 41411 to receive news alerts and reminders. (Check your cell phone carrier for text messaging costs.)
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 a small booklet prepared for our head organization, the Great Plains Zen Center. This introductory booklet explains basic meditation technique and zendo etiquette. We can also recommend 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
