Get started with our Weekly Meditation Classes

The Practice of Meditation is for Everyone

Meditation is about being in the moment. It is about putting down your opinions, thoughts, and worries, and instead, just existing mindfully. There are no expectations and no requirements. We ask that you just try.

But why practice meditation with other people?

When one comes to a place with others who all are focusing on accomplishing the same goal, it becomes easier and much more enjoyable to accomplish that goal. And, it can teach everyone present how to utilize the practice in daily life.

Interested in learning more?

If you are interested in learning about Zen meditation, the best way to start is to attend a walk-in Meditation Instruction Class at the Providence Zen Center. By attending the class you will learn about what Zen teaching is and the meditation techniques that we use here, as well as a general introduction to the Zen Center. No registration is required, please see the schedule below.

Weekly Meditation Classes are always free but a suggested donation of $5-$10 helps us keep these programs running.

Weekly Sangha (Community) Activities

Sunday Morning Dharma (Teaching) Program

9:00am: Meditation Instruction Class for Beginners
9:30am: 25 Minute Sitting
9:55am: 10 Minute Walking Meditation
10:05am: 25 Minute Sitting
10:45am: Dharma Talk*
11:30am: Refreshments

*Dharma Talks are a great opportunity to learn more about Zen teaching. They consist of a short introductory talk by a student followed by a question and answer session with a teacher or senior student.

Wednesday Evening Dinner

5:30pm: Free public dinner (Donations of $10-$15 are very welcome, but not required!)
6:15pm: Meditation Instruction Class for Beginners
6:30pm: Special Chanting (Thousand Eyes and Hands, Kwan Seum Bosal)
7:00pm: Regular Chanting
7:15pm: 25 Minute Sitting
7:40pm: 10 Minute Walking Meditation,
7:50pm: 25 Minute Sitting

Every FIRST and THIRD Wednesday evening of each month: Kong-an Interviews** starting at 7:15 pm with either Dennis Duermeier, JDPSN, Kwan Haeng Sunim, JDPS, or Zen Master Tan Gong (see Our Teachers).

**A Kong-An Interview is an optional 1-on-1 session between a Zen Practitioner and a Zen Dharma Teacher.

The Kong-an is an experiential tool that helps us cut through our thinking so that we can just perceive, therefore function clearly. It is an essential part of our practice. Learn more about Kong-an interviews at the Kwan Um School of Zen website.

“Kong-ans are not special. But we use them to teach correct way, truth, and life. We use them to teach how it is possible to function correctly in everyday life.” – Zen Master Seung Sahn

In-Person Practice Schedule

Morning and Evening Practice Are Open To The Public

Meditation Instruction is at scheduled times on Wednesdays and Sundays, or by appointment. Please contact director@providencezen.org for more information.

Morning Practice Schedule

Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays

5:00am: Wake up
5:15am: 108 Bows (Does not have to be full prostrations)
5:45am: Chanting (Morning Bell, Homage to the Three Jewels, Heart Sutra (Korean), Heart Sutra (English), Great Dharani)
6:30 am: Sitting Meditation

Wednesdays

5:00 am: Wake up
5:15 am: 108 Bows
5:30 am: Resident House Meeting

Chanting Book

Evening Practice Schedule

Morning and Evening Practice Are Open To The Public.

Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays

(Meditation Instruction is at scheduled times or by appointment, please contact director@providencezen.org)

6:30pm: Special Chanting (Thousand Eyes and Hands, Kwan Seum Bosal)
7:00pm: Chanting (Evening Bell, Heart Sutra (English), Great Dharani)
7:15pm: 40 Minute Sitting

Wednesdays

5:30 pm: See Weekly Sangha (Community) Activities

Fridays

6:30 pm: Special Chanting (Thousand Eyes and Hands, Kwan Seum Bosal)
7:00 pm: Chanting (Evening Bell, Heart Sutra (English), Great Dharani)
7:15pm: 25 Minute Sitting Meditation

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