FAQ: The Practice
Are specific beliefs required?
No. Zen is about awakening to the present moment, not about beliefs. Zen is compatible with other faith traditions. At the same time, Zen is a form of Buddhism and many Zen practitioners engage with the larger body of Buddhist teachings.
How do I practice?
Zen practice combines several elements, especially silent practice. At the core, only two things are required: show up and practice sincerely. Beyond that, you can find practical details on our page About Zen.
What about home practice?
We strongly encourage practice at home in addition to group practice. Group practice is invigorating and helps sustain practice over time. For home practice, we recommend shorter but regular daily sessions. At home, start with 5 minutes, then increase to 10 minutes, then 15, and so forth, as you become comfortable.
Do I need a sitting mat and cushion?
They are not required, but can be very helpful for continued practice. Using a chair is also an option. For details, see our page About Zen.
How do I know whether Zen is right for me?
Try it and see! We also suggest trying other styles of meditation. Some people prefer one style, one community, one teacher, or one location — or alternatively they find that a practice other than meditation suits them better. Zen can be rigorous and is not for everyone; you find out by trying it.
Is there a dress code? What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes for sitting, especially pants that are loose in the legs. Traditionally Zen clothing is modest with muted colors, but we have no specific requirements. We do not wear formal clothing such as robes except for special ceremonies. However, if you have taken precepts/jukai in any tradition and have a rakusu or ojo kesa, you are welcomed to wear it.
FAQ: The Community
As a person who is _______, am I welcomed?
Very much! Personal and group identifications are vital parts of being human. Zen values the richness of individual identities and experience while also pointing to experience beyond any name. Zen is for everyone, and our practice welcomes everyone. For more, see our statement of Ethics below.
What does it cost?
There is no cost. We are supported by donations and membership, but our practice is always available freely, just as the historical Buddha freely offered the teachings.
Is Open Sound Zen an official nonprofit organization? Can I donate to the organization?
Yes, Open Sound Zen is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States, EIN #42-2549447. It is also a registered nonprofit organization in Washington State, UBI 606-228-411. Contributions are tax deductible in the United States in accordance with 501(c)(3) status.
To support Open Sound Zen, please visit our Giving & Membership page (and thank you!)
How can I get other information or contact you with questions?
Sign up for announcements here. Or email us anytime at info@opensoundzen.org.
FAQ: The Teaching
Who is the Zen teacher? What is your teaching lineage?
Our organizer (aka "guiding teacher") is Chris Chapman, a Zen teacher and psychologist with a three decade career in technology research. He received Inka (formal teaching authority) from Zen Master Jeong Ji Anita Feng in 2023 in the Golden Wind Zen lineage. For more, see About Us.
Do you offer koan training, retreats, and private meetings with the teacher?
We offer these as part of our occasional retreats. Or contact the organizer anytime for individual questions about practice.
FAQ: Ethics and Code of Conduct
For our ethics statement, see the Ethics page.
Additional Credits
Roshi Joan Halifax Calligraphy of the Enso (Zen circle) used as our logo icon. Photo of art in a personal collection.
Open Sound Zen Other photographs on the site were taken in travels by the organizer (Chris).