Newcomers are always welcome at any event of the Sangha.
The first Wednesday of every month is set aside for those who have not had instruction in sitting meditation. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn the basics of good posture to support your meditation practice and the techniques of mindfulness and attention.
For those who have been sitting regularly, these instructions in meditation are a beneficial refresher for practice. One can never hear the instructions too many times! This was called “beginner’s mind” by Zen master Shunryū Suzuki Rōshi. (Rōshi wrote a fine introductory book on meditation, entitled Zen mind, beginner’s mind. Several editions of it are offered by Shambhala Publications; click here to view them at Shambhala’s website.)
If your schedule does not allow you to come to a first-Wednesday meditation class, you can make arrangements for personal instruction at a time convenient to you and an instructor.
These pdf files are for newcomers to the Southwind Sangha and are included in our free Welcome packet (please come by and ask for one):
This pdf features two writings of Dōgen Zenji about the mechanics of meditation (courtesy Shasta Abbey Buddhist Monastery):
This pdf from the Mountains and Rivers Order of Zen Buddhism features excellent instructions for newcomers to meditation: