All are welcome to practice at the Zen Center of Syracuse Hoen-ji. Newcomers should arrive early. Meditation instruction is offered at the Zen Center on Thursday evenings. Deep Presence, a six-week introductory course taught by Roko Osho, is also recommended.

The Zen Center also offers meditation with instruction and discussion at Syracuse University's Hendricks Chapel.

Please refer to the sitting schedule.

Zendo Procedure

• Arrive early. Allow time to make the transition to the dynamic stillness of the zendo.
• Do not wear perfume, aftershave, or other fragrances. Remove noisy jewelry and digital watches.
• Attire should be clean, dignified and restrained - no shorts, tank tops, distracting patterns and colors, or skin-tight clothing. Student robes are preferred, and may be ordered through the center.
• It is not a good idea to eat immediately before sitting. If you bring food to the Zen Center at any time, be sure it's vegetarian.
• Observe silence. Moving during zazen not only disturbs others, it hinders your own concentration, creating even more discomfort.
• Participate. You will find the more you give of yourself, the more your understanding will deepen.
• Study and memorize the sutras we chant regularly; be diligent in your practice. Life is short; mystery is profound.

Membership

To become a member, a student must practice sincerely and consistently, attending zazen at the center at least once a week, and should participate in at least one sesshin at Hoen-ji or Dai Bosatsu Zendo. Once becoming a full member, he or she is expected to contribute monthly dues, join in work practice, and participate in sangha projects and committee work.