Get started with our Weekly Meditation Classes

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 Public Programs & Getting Started Classes

EVERY WEDNESDAY EVENING
5:00 pm:
Public dinner
6:15 pm: Meditation Instruction Class
7:00 pm: Regular Chanting
7:15 pm: 25 Minute Sitting, 10 Minute Walking Meditation, 25 Minute Sitting until 8:20 pm

Every FIRST and THIRD Wednesday evening of each month: Kong-an Interviews* starting at 7:15 pm with either Dennis Duermeier, JDPSN or Kwan Haeng Sunim, JDPS.

EVERY SUNDAY MORNING
9:00 am: Meditation Instruction Class
9:30 am: Two half-hour sitting periods with a ten-minute walking meditation in-between
10:45 am: Dharma Talk**
11:30 am: Refreshments

*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

**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.

In-Person Practice Schedule

Morning Practice Schedule

Mornings (except Wednesday)

5:00 am: Wake up
5:15 am: 108 Bows
5:45 am: Chanting (Morning Bell, Homage to the Three Jewels, Heart Sutra (Korean), Heart Sutra (English), Great Dharani)
6:30 am – 7:00 am: Sitting Meditation

Wednesday

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

Sunday Dharma Program

Free and open to the public

9:00 am: Meditation Instruction
9:30 am: Two half-hour sitting periods with a ten-minute walking meditation in-between
10:45 am: Dharma Talk
11:30 am: Refreshments

Morning and Evening Practice Are Open To The Public.

Evening Practice Schedule

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday

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

6:30 pm: Special Chanting (Thousand Eyes and Hands, Kwan Seum Bosal)
7:00 pm: Chanting (Evening Bell, Heart Sutra (English), Great Dharani)
7:15 pm – 7:55 pm: 40 minute Sitting

Wednesday

5:00 pm: See our getting started classes

Friday

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