The word “zen” simply means meditation. Zen is a type of Buddhism

What is Zen?
The word “zen” simply means
meditation. Zen is a type of
Buddhism that places special
emphasis on the practice of
meditation (zazen). Austin Zen
Center has its roots in the Soto
school of Zen. Soto Zen has all the
formality and discipline of other
schools of Zen, but is particularly
characterized by its patient and
tender-hearted approach to practice.
When the mind of zazen is lovingly
extended to everyday life, our
awareness of each moment increases
and deep wisdom and compassion
are born. In a nutshell, our style of
Zen is a celebration and exploration
of the inherent dignity and perfection
of human nature; we strive to see this
in every aspect of our life.
AZC: here to support
your practice
AZC’s mission is to offer the
practice of Zen Buddhism to all who
are interested. Please take advantage
of whatever you find helpful.
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The zendo (meditation hall) and
our schedule of meditation.
Traditional Zen ceremonies.
Not-so-traditional Zen
ceremonies.
Library of Buddhist philosophy,
history, and inspiration.
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The sangha, the community of
people walking this path
together.
Our teacher Kosho, with nearly
twenty years of Zen monastic
training under his belt.
Dharma talks by Kosho and
visiting teachers.
Classes on Buddhism and Zen
practice.
Half-day to several-day long
retreats.
Entering the Path
If you’ve given Zen a try and think
you’d like to get more into this,
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Getting started
If you’d like to begin Zen practice,
AZC is here as a resource for you.
You’re welcome to be as involved
here as you would like. Some people
attend zazen once or twice a week.
Others attend the weekly talks. And
then others are very involved,
helping to run the temple.
To get started:
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Attend the Saturday beginner’s
instruction a few times.
Come to a few dharma talks.
Meet the sangha at our
Wednesday morning sangha
breakfast.
Attend some of our daily
meditation periods.
Join us for our quarterly
communal work days.
Attend a special ceremony.
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Ask to help with some of the
various ceremonial positions
(ringing bells, taking care of
altars, etc.).
Ask to speak about practice with
a priest or more experienced Zen
student.
Request dokusan (a formal oneon-one meeting with our teacher,
Kosho). This is a central practice
in Zen Buddhism.
Take a class at AZC.
Consider formalizing your
relationship with the temple by
becoming a member.
Explore how to bring the spirit of
practice into every aspect of your
life.
Read a good book about Zen
practice a few times through, and
let the words sink in.
Consider formal study of the
Bodhisattva precepts.
Work out a clear and consistent
practice schedule with the
teacher or other experienced Zen
student.
“We begin over and over each
day, each hour, each minute…
We are always beginners.”
(Diane Eshin Rizzetto)
Books We’ve Found
Helpful
While nothing can replace the actual
practice of Zen, the words of
experienced Zen practitioners can
help to guide us on the path.
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Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, &
Not Always So, Shunryu Suzuki
You Have to Say Something,
Dainin Katagiri
Subtle Sound, Maurine Stuart.
Opening the Hand of Thought,
Kosho Uchiyama
Sit Down & Shut Up, Brad
Warner
How to Raise an Ox, Francis
Cook
Buddhism Plain and Simple,
Steve Hagen.
Zen Women, Grace Schireson.
Everyday Zen, & Nothing
Special, Charlotte Joko Beck
Buddha, Karen Armstrong
Waking Up to What You Do,
Diane Eshin Rizzetto
“Peace and contentment
are no big deal.
They are right at our feet.”
(Dainin Katagiri Roshi)
General Tips on Practice
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Keep your posture as upright as
you can.
Focus on the breath.
Know that meditation is just
maintaining awareness of your
body and mind.
Talk to more experienced
practitioners about your practice.
Be gentle with yourself.
Do not think that you ought to
have some particular experience
in meditation.
Don’t give up!
On Practicing at Home
Many people practice Zen at home
regularly.
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Decide what days and at what
time you will sit, and stick to it.
Set aside a space in your home
for meditation.
Consider setting up a small altar.
Make space in your schedule for
involvement with a temple, such
as attending weekly Dharma
talks, or coming to zazen once a
week.
Read a good book on Zen
practice when you can.
Know that there is no “right”
way to balance your daily life
and formal practice. The way that
works for you is the right way.
Frequently Asked
Questions
How should I deal with pain in my
legs/knees/back/shoulders when
meditating? Some discomfort is a
normal part of meditation. As you
practice more, you will come to
know your posture better and you
will be able to make appropriate
adjustments. Until then, just do the
best you can, and ask for some help.
Can I move during zazen in the
zendo? Yes. Please do so quietly and
return to stillness.
What are those things that look like
bibs that a lot of folks at AZC are
wearing? That’s called a rakasu, and
it means that they have received the
Bodhisattva Precepts from a Zen
teacher.
What’s with all the weird bowing
and chanting? Yes, it is weird. They
come from thousands of years of
Buddhist practice. Ceremonies at
AZC express our gratitude to the
people who have handed down the
practice to us, and help us to extend
the mind of zazen to our more active
life. If you come to a ceremony, just
follow along as best you can, and
enjoy it.
I can’t meditate; my mind bounces
around like a monkey. All you need
to meditate is a mind, a body, and the
desire to do it. It’s fine if your mind
jumps around. Just keep bringing
your attention back to the present
moment, your body and your breath.
Zen Center Schedule
Saturday Beginner's Instruction
9:15a – Held at 704 W. 31st St.
10:30a – Join Dharma talk
(see below)
Saturday Morning Program
8:15a – Zazen (seated meditation)
8:50a – Kinhin (walking med.)
9:00a – Zazen
9:40a – Service (bowing and chanting)
9:50a – Soji (temple cleaning)
10:20a – End of soji.
10:30a – Dharma talk
11:15a – Tea & discussion
Weekday Mornings (Mon-Fri)
6:00a – Zazen
6:35a – Kinhin
6:45a – Zazen
7:20a – Service
7:35a – Soji (temple cleaning)
7: 50a – End of morning program
• On Wednesdays, we have our weekly
sangha breakfast. Please join us!
Weekday Evenings (Mon-Thu)
5:40p – Zazen
6:20p – Service
Affirmation of Welcome
Walking the path of liberation, we
express our intimate connection with
all beings.
The Austin Zen Center community
offers a haven of peace and harmony
in which to engage in the arduous
task of self-discovery through Zen
practice. Welcoming diversity, the
practice of zazen is available to
people of every race, religion,
nationality, class, gender, sexual
orientation, age, and physical ability.
May all beings
realize their true nature.
Beginning
Zen Practice
Welcome!
Austin Zen Center is a place
where people practice meditation
together. Whether you are
looking for a place of peace and
refuge, want to start practicing
Zen, or are just curious about
what Zen and meditation is all
about, we’re happy to help.
This pamphlet is meant as a
resource to help those who are
interested in exploring the path
of Zen Buddhist practice.
Austin Zen Center
3014 Washington Square, Austin TX 78705
512-452-5777
www.austinzencenter.org
www.facebook.com/austinzencenter
For more information,
please call us or visit our website.
“In the beginner’s mind there
are many possibilities, but in the
expert’s mind there are few.”
(Shunryu Suzuki Roshi)