Orientation to Practice

If you have not sat zazen with us before, we ask that you first attend an Orientation to Practice. Please provide the full name, email, phone number for all reservations that you are making. We will only use your phone number to contact you if you are on an orientation waiting list or there is a last minute change.

Call 808-735-1347 or email info@diamondsangha.org for reservations or questions.

  • Orientation to Practice is open to the public. Reservations are required. All orientations are on a Saturday 9am to noon.
  • Upcoming 2025 Orientation Dates
    • December 20
  • Orientations for 2026
    • January 17
    • February 14
    • March 21
    • April 25
    • May 16
    • June 20
    • July 11
    • August 22
    • September 19
    • October 17
    • November 21
    • December 19

Orientation to Practice is a three-hour program that introduces newcomers to Zen meditation as practiced by the Honolulu Diamond Sangha. You will be shown how to do zazen. We will introduce you to a variety of sitting postures and help you to find a zazen position that works for you. We will go over different practices of zazen meditation, and teach you to work with your mind. In addition to zazen we will introduce other forms of Zen practice such as kinhin (walking zazen), plus the sequences of bells and clappers that signal the beginning and end of periods of zazen. We will discuss sutra recitation, dokusan (interaction with the teacher) working with a teacher, sitting at home, and how to continue your practice. We will do zazen together and you will have many opportunities to ask questions.

OrientationKathyGesture

Orientations to Practice are offered at least once each month on a Saturday morning from 9am to noon at the Palolo Zen Center. There is no charge but reservations are required.

OrientationZendo

  • The wearing of a mask is optional.
  • Please wear loose comfortable clothing,
  • Cushions, mats, sitting benches, stools, chairs or anything else you need to comfortably do zen meditation will be provided for you.
  • Please arrive on time and plan to stay for the entire morning.
  • If you have questions, please call or email our administrator at 808-735-1347 or info@diamondsangha.org

OrientationZazen

 FOR DATES OF OTHER ACTIVITIES: See Calendar