Sign up for our monthly email newsletter and stay connected! You will also receive occasional announcements and reminders. We only use your email address for communications from Richmond Zen. Unsubscribe at any time. To sign up:
We offer orientation and meditation instruction on the first Wednesday and third Sunday of each month–unless otherwise noted. See dates below. Even if you are an experienced meditator, this is an excellent opportunity to be introduced to our etiquette, style of practice, and community. The orientation will include a discussion on how to find a sustainable meditation posture, awareness of breath, working with distracting thoughts, and other Zen practices.
The upcoming orientations are:
Wednesday evening, March 5, 6:45 pm – 8:15 pm
Sunday, March 16, 8:45 am – 10:15 am
Wednesday evening, April 2, 6:45 pm – 8:15 pm
Sunday, April 20, 8:45 am – 10:15 am
Please sign up with Eden >>.
EVENTS
Half-day Zazenkai
Sunday, March 2
6:00 am – noon (see the full schedule here)
Our half-day zazenkai will include zazen, silent breakfast, and work practice. Eden will be available for individual practice discussion. Please register for the one-day sitting if you plan to attend. Email blytheking@yahoo.com.
The regular Sunday morning zazen practice is scheduled at 9 am and is open to all.
Women Buddhist Ancestors Study Group: Ryonen Genso, 17th-century Zen Abbess
Second Sundays in March, April and May: 3/09, 4/13, and 5/11
10:45 – 11:45 am
Ryonen was an attendant to the empress. When the empress died, she sought to become a Zen nun. However, she was rejected by the male leadership who worried her beauty would disturb the monks. But she would not be deterred. She made an indelible action that expressed her determination and was admitted to the monastery. Her fierce commitment to meet the moment is a gift to all of us who wrestle with the question: “What exactly am I willing to do for the sake of my quest to understand the truth of all things?” Each meeting will include readings and prompts for exploration and discussion. Find resources here. To register for the series, please email Blythe.
2025 Richmond Zen Spring Practice Intensive
Unbalanced Composure: The Harmony of Difference and Unity
March 2 – April 27
See our Practice Intensive page for more details.
At Ekoji Buddhist Sangha, masks are optional; vaccination is required. Read our protocol.
