Extended Sitting Schedules

Please check the events calendar for sitting dates 

Saturday Half Day Sitting

Half Day Sittings are alternating sitting (30 minute periods) and walking meditation. Beginners are welcome and encouraged to come to these activities as they are an excellent introduction to Soto Zen practice. More experienced practitioners are also encouraged as these sittings are a way to connect with deeper meditative experiences in the midst of our hectic daily lives. You are welcome to come to any part of the day.

Typical Half Day Schedule:

8 – 8:40 a.m. meditation/robe chant

8:40 – 8:50 a.m. service/chanting

8:50 – 9 a.m. Rearrange zendo for Come As You Are Zen

9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Come As You Are Zen (Public Lecture)

10:30 – 10:35 a.m. Rearrange zendo

10:35 – 10:45 a.m. Kinhin (walking meditation) or Break

10:45 – 11:20 a.m. meditation

11:20 – 11:30 a.m. walking meditation (or break)

11:30- 11:55 a.m. meditation

11:55 – noon closing service

Saturday Full Day Sitting

These meditation retreats begin at 8 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. Lunch will be a formal Oryoki meal.  Unlike the Half Day Sittings, we ask that you indicate beforehand if you intent to come. You can sign up for the sitting at the zendo or by contacting Shinshu. For more information write shinshu@oceangatezen.org.

9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Come As You Are Zen (Public Lecture)

10:30 – 10:35 a.m. Rearrange zendo

10:35 – 10:45 a.m. Kinhin (walking meditation) or Break

10:45 – 11:20 a.m. meditation

11:20 – 11:30 a.m. walking meditation (or break)

11:30- 11:55 a.m. meditation

11:55 – noon closing service

12:05-12:50 p.m.  Oryoki Meal/Kitchen Clean-up

12:50 – 1:20 p.m. Break

1:20 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. zazen

1:50 – 2 p.m. kinhin

2 – 2:30 p.m. zazen

2:30 – 2:45 p.m. kinhin

2:45 – 3:15 p.m. zazen

3:15 – 3:25 p.m. kinhin

3:25 – 3:55 p.m. zazen

3:55 p.m. Refuges Ceremony

This is a general outline of the schedule and may change during the course of the day.