In short: arrive 15 minutes early, take your shoes off, ask for beginner instruction, and sit quietly with the group. A typical evening has two sitting periods of about 25 to 40 minutes, a short walking meditation between them, and often chanting and a talk. Nobody expects you to know anything.
Before you go
- Check the schedule: many centers have a separate beginner evening.
- Wear loose, plain, comfortable clothes. See what to wear.
- Eat lightly beforehand.
Read the full guide
What happens
- Arrival: greet whoever welcomes you, leave your shoes, and switch off your phone.
- Instruction: a short talk on posture and breath. Our zazen for beginners covers the same basics.
- Sitting: you face the wall or the room in silence on a cushion or chair. A bell marks the start and end.
- Walking (kinhin): slow walking in a line between sittings.
- Chanting and talk: many centers chant briefly and offer a dharma talk or tea afterwards.
Etiquette
- Bow to the cushion and to others as they do; copy the group.
- Do not walk in front of people sitting.
- If you need to move or leave, do so quietly.
More: Buddhist temple etiquette.
Find one: Zen centers directory · find a group near you · what is a sesshin?
Questions people ask
Do I need experience to go to a Zen center?
No. Most centers hold beginner instruction before or alongside regular sittings. Arrive a little early and tell the person at the door it is your first time.
What happens during a Zen sitting?
You sit facing a wall or the room in silence in periods of about 25 to 40 minutes, with walking meditation (kinhin) between periods. Many evenings end with chanting and sometimes a talk.
Do I have to bow or chant?
Bowing is a sign of respect, not worship, and you can follow along at your own comfort. You are not required to chant; many people simply listen the first time.