Orientation to Practice

If you have not sat zazen with us before, we ask that you first attend an Orientation to Practice. For those with significant experience sitting zazen elsewhere we can arrange a short mini-orientation to our forms prior to a sitting.
  • Orientation to Practice is open to the public. Reservations are required. All orientations are on a Saturday 9am to noon.
  • Upcoming 2024 Orientation Dates: 7/13, 8/24, 9/21, 10/19, 11/16, 12/21

Call 808-735-1347 or email info@diamondsangha.org for a reservation.

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.

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. We maintain social distancing so space is limited.

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 our administrator at 808-735-1347.

OrientationZazen

 FOR DATES OF OTHER ACTIVITIES: See Calendar