ABOUT ZEN PRACTICE @ One River Zen

WHAT IS ZEN?

The expression "Zen" is used so carelessly in our culture that it is hard to reconcile it with the true meaning. As a spiritual path, Zen is the practice of opening directly to our lived experience as it presents itself and realizing our True Nature.

Zen isn't a way to ‘bliss out’ or somewhere to hide; it's a way of being present with life’s struggles, joy, and sorrow in a way that transforms how we appreciate them. This is a path of awakening - awakening to who we really are and cultivating the aspiration to relieve the suffering so present around us.

Through dedicated study, practice, and effort we work together as a Sangha to cultivate this Way for all…

HOW CAN I PRACTICE ZEN?

One River Zen’s core mission is to empower all to open to life fully by embodying wisdom and compassion through the practices of mindfulness and meditation.

We have a number of offerings and resources to help you get started:

  • Our “Entering the Way” class series is offered regularly as a four-week journey designed to ground you in the practices of meditation and mindfulness so you can begin to open to your life and recognize your true potential. It is a total transformation where we come face to face with our true selves.

  • We offer meditation online and in-person six days per week. Anyone, regardless of their experience level, is welcome to join us. This is why we’re here!

  • Doing a Weekend Retreat can be a wonderful way to lay a foundation for Zen Practice. These are offered regularly and create an immersive environment where your practice can really take root.

  • You can study with a Sensei to get individualized instruction to elevate your practice path. This is the time-honored way of practice, and is a transformational way of engaging Buddhist Practice

WHO CAN PRACTICE ZEN? DO I HAVE TO BECOME A BUDDHIST?

Everyone is welcome at One River Zen! We have folks here from all different walks of life and representatives from many faith traditions. We celebrate all of the wisdom life has to offer - so bring yours!

Students who are interested can study Zen formally and participate in Buddhist Liturgy - but this is not done to the exclusion of other practices. Many of our members have related how Zen has deepened their spiritual walk - without becoming “Buddhists”. Simply put: Zen practice transcends the borders of religion and ideology.

Questions?

Want to learn more about Zen practice? Feel free to schedule some time with Sensei Michael Brunner, Founder of One River Zen.

Sensei is a Zen Buddhist Teacher & Priest who has been practicing for over fifteen years and can answer all of your questions about becoming a student and help you get started…