Zen Heart Sangha

Participation

Zazen (seated meditation) is the heart of Zen practice which integrates body, breath, and mind, allowing us to enter into deep silence and stillness moment after moment. Kinhin (walking meditation) is the practice of meditation in activity, coordinating our breath with the movement of our feet and connecting our body firmly to the ground.

Besides zazen and kinhin, we also study the dharma (Buddhist teachings), participate in services of chanting and bowing, and share community meals and work practice together. All of these activities combined encourage and develop our ability to bring our attention and open heart to each moment of our everyday lives.

For meditation, loose comfortable clothing that modestly covers arms and legs is most suitable. Cushions and chairs are provided for sitting. As a courtesy, please arrive at least five minutes before the beginning of meditation or other sangha activities.

Monday Evening

  • Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m. (30 min zazen, short service, lecture/discussion)

  • Location: In person at Peninsula School [Google Maps] and online via Zoom*

    * You may request the Zoom link from admin@zenheartsangha.org.

1st and 3rd Saturday Mornings

  • Time: 8:00-10:15 a.m. (40 minute zazen, work practice, study/discussion)

  • Location: At the home zendo and online via Zoom*

    Please contact Misha at mishamerrill@gmail.com for directions.

ZHS Dharma Seminar

The Dharma Seminar is currently studying the Genjokoan. For more information, contact Jill Kaplan at kjillkaplan@gmail.com.

Children and Youth: Dharma School

Dharma School is an opportunity for children of sangha members to participate in mindfulness-based activities in a joyous environment. Activities include meditation, storytelling, games, art projects, gardening, movement (Chi Gong), and Zen arts including Cha-no-yu (Tea Ceremony) and Ikebana (flower arranging).

Dharma School schedule for 2025 TBA.

Tea Ceremonies

There is a monthly class in Japanese Tea Ceremony on the Friday afternoon before the 3rd Saturday of each month. This is taught by Misha Merrill who has studied the way of tea for 30 years under two teachers of the Mushanokoji School. For more information, please contact Misha at mishamerrill@gmail.com.

  • Location: Misha’s home

  • Time: 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Retreats

Classes, retreats and workshops are offered throughout the year. All are welcome to attend these various offerings after participating in the Monday or Saturday meditation programs in order to promote an individual’s basic understanding, as well as ensure the cohesion of the group.

Membership

Sangha is the Buddhist word for the community of individuals who practice the Buddha’s way of meditation and mindfulness. Anyone with a desire to practice in this way is invited to become a member of our lay community simply by signing our ‘Guest Member’ sheet or writing directly to the Head Teacher. There is no financial requirement to become a member; the ability to vote in elections or to be eligible for board positions is based solely on number of years of practice with the sangha.

Practice Opportunities

There are many ways in which members contribute to the well-being of the sangha while increasing their sense of connection with the group. Practice opportunities include recording lectures, maintaining the website, setting up for the evening meditation programs, coordinating Dharma School for children in the sangha, creating a quarterly newsletter, and serving on our Council of Harmony and Practice Committee. Volunteers serve as officers and board members to oversee the financial and administrative activities of the sangha. In addition, all members are encouraged to attend quarterly Sangha Meetings as another way of sharing practice issues and deepening dharma friendships.