Progress on the Path

Below you'll find a general progression of how to deepen practice over time. There is no required order of engagement and you are free to take up Zen at your own pace. Some students dive right in, others benefit from slowly wading . That being said, Zen practice does involve leaving one’s comfort zone and being open to challenge. It’s the reason we practice in community with a teacher, to receive support and learn from one another entering the unknown.

Common Steps in Zen

(1) Practice Daily Meditation

Establishing a daily zazen practice is essential. It requires care, consistency and curiosity. We simply notice the experience in zazen that refines our attention and clarify out intention. In zazen, we let go of expectations and judgments, and notice what arises. Newcomers may start out with 10 or 15 minutes a day and work up to 30 – 40 minutes. Consistency is more important than length of time.

(2) Participate in Community

The Zen community is called “sangha.” The sangha offers weekly support, vital mirroring and occasional challenge. Practicing with others inspires us to dig a little deeper and continue meditation when life’s demands and distractions make consistency difficult.

(3) Engage Ritual Forms & Ceremonies

Ritual forms teach moment to moment mindful attention and help us understand how Buddhist teachings function. Common rituals include walking meditation (kinhin), bowing, chanting, mindful work (samu) and mindful eating (oryoki). More elaborate ceremonies also convey Buddhist truths. Examples include Sejiki (Festival of the Hungry Ghosts), Wesak (Buddha’s Birthday), Fusatsu (Full Moon Ceremony), or Nehan (Commemorating the Buddha’s Death).

(4) Study Buddhist Teachings

Practitioners are encouraged to study at their own pace. Buddhist teachings (dharma) are offered through classes and available through multiple media sources - books, video, journals and podcasts. Study includes understanding basic teachings, learning from classical & contemporary teachers, as well as how to engage obstacles and practice ethics. Students of Zen are encouraged to follow their interests and the questions arising in daily life. Feel free to ask for recommendations.

(5) Anchor Home Practice

In addition to daily zazen, many practitioners establish dedicated space at home including crafting an altar, and engaging rituals at home like chanting or bowing, saying the meal verse, or performing mindful work.

(6) Consult with a Teacher

Sanzen is a traditional brief meeting with a Zen Teacher to receive feedback and support. The practice helps distill down one’s experience and questions. No subject matter is out of bounds – sanzen welcomes both insights and struggle. In Zen, every obstacle is a dharma gate.

(7) Participate in Extended Practice Periods

Ango is an extended period of time during which individuals make a vow to intensify practice in a way that is adapted to one’s life circumstances. Vows are witnessed and supported by sangha. Ango commitments include increased daily zazen as well as regular study and participation.

(8) Attend a One Day Meditation Retreat

Zazenkai are one day retreats that help participants deepen the relationship to zazen and experience the seamless flow of stillness and activity. For many, they are a source of renewal and refreshment.

(9) Serve the Community

The heart of generosity and service to the sangha is celebrated in Zen practice. There are many ways to get involved through volunteering, ongoing projects, or formal Zen roles that include activities like taking care of the altars (Chiden) or cooking in the kitchen (Tenzo).

(10) Attend a Long Silent Zen Retreat

Sesshin are extended overnight silent retreats offered throughout the year. They include both challenge and affirmation. Participating is often a powerful life changing experience.

(11) Commit to the Buddhist Path

Those who feel called to deepen their commitment are welcome to inquire about receiving precepts in a ceremony called “Jukai” which marks formal entry onto the Buddhist path. In preparation, classes are offered in the ethical teachings of Zen known as The Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts.

(12) Enter the Lineage Tradition

While this step is not necessary to fully engage practice, those with an affinity for a particular sangha and teacher may become formal students in a rite of passage called “Zaike Tokudo.” This involves a natural discernment process after one has established all of the above. At ZW, formal students wear green rakusus and vow to serve the sangha and put practice at the center of their lives.