Zen practice has always valued mentorship and guidance. At Louisville Zen Center, support is offered through group instruction, one-to-one meetings, and Zen talks. Below is a brief overview of what we offer. For dates and details, please visit our home page and calendar.
This workshop is ideal for newcomers, those seeking a refresher, or anyone interested in practicing in the Rochester Zen Center lineage. It covers posture, breathing, zazen equipment, walking meditation, and more.
In-person workshops begin with instruction at 5:30 p.m. We take a brief break around 6:20, followed by practice from 6:30 to 7:30. After a simple, 10-minute cleanup, we wrap up with tea and final questions until about 8:00 p.m. Suggested donation: $20 (cash, check, or PayPal). To register, email us.
For online workshops, we recommend those offered through the Rochester Zen Center, led by Sensei Jissai Prince-Cherry. Info and registration are available here.
Dokusan
Dokusan is a private, one-to-one meeting with a Zen teacher that focuses on questions about your sitting practice or related personal matters. At Heart of Perfect Wisdom Zendo, Sensei currently offers dokusan in these ways:
Teisho is a formal Dharma talk given by a fully authorized teacher. More than just a lecture or sermon, teisho is considered to be a direct expression of the teacher’s realization, delivered from the depth of their own practice and understanding.
Encouragement talks are short (10 minutes or less), informal Zen talks delivered during a round of zazen to address common challenges in zazen—like sleepiness, restlessness, or doubt. They offer practical support and reminders that struggle is part of the path.
Louisville Zen Center