FAQ: The Community
As a person who is _______, am I welcomed?
Very much! Personal and group identifications are vital parts of being human, and Zen values individual identities and experience while also transcending categories and labels. 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. At times, we may ask for voluntary support; and events such as retreats might have external costs. But our core practice offerings and teaching will always be available freely, just as the historical Buddha freely offered the teachings.
FAQ: The Practice
Are specific beliefs required?
No. Zen is about awakening to the present moment, not about beliefs. Zen is compatible with other belief systems. At the same time, Zen is also 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 makes it easier to sustain practice over longer periods of time. For home practice, we recommend shorter but regular daily practice sessions. At home, start with 5 minutes, then increase to 10 minutes, then 15 minutes, 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. 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 mentally rigorous and is not for everyone; you find out by trying it.
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 (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.
Miscellaneous Credits
Roshi Joan Halifax Calligraphy of the Enso (Zen circle) used as our web icon (favicon). Photo of art in a personal collection.
Open Sound Zen Other photographs on the site were taken in travels by the organizer (Chris).