Join us for basic instruction in Zen practice. A. Jesse Jiryu Davis will teach how to sit still, how to maintain comfort and attention, and how to work with emotions and distracting thoughts. We’ll discuss aspects of the Zen way: Buddhist ethics, establishing a meditation habit at home, practicing with a group and a teacher, and avoiding the psychological pitfalls of meditation.

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There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions of an experienced meditator.

Once this workshop is completed, you’ll have what you need to begin a meditation practice at home, and you’ll be ready to attend any event at a Zen temple.

Format:

• What is Zen and where did it come from?
• How to sit and meditate in a chair.
• Short break.
• How to work with thoughts.
• Practicing at home or with a Zen group.
• Introduction to the Village Zendo.
• Questions and discussion.

About the Instructor

A. Jesse Jiryu Davis is a senior student at the Village Zendo, authorized to give meditation instruction and to present dharma talks, and he is the assistant coordinator of the Zendo’s meditation program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. Jesse has been a Zen student since 2002. He is a staff engineer at MongoDB and lives in the East Village with his partner Jennifer Keishin Armstrong and their two hamsters.

The Village Zendo is a Zen community in the heart of downtown New York City. Serving as a sanctuary in busy Manhattan, it offers meditation, services, retreats, workshops and study groups. Participation is open to all.