My first zazen session at Zen Paris

Why let us know the day before?

The group is small and each new practitioner is welcomed individually before the collective session begins. An experienced practitioner guides you personally through the essentials: posture, hand position, gaze orientation, breathing. This individual welcome is only possible if the dojo knows you are coming.

What happens during the session?

At 9:55 am, arrive at the courtyard entrance. A zafu and zabuton are lent to you — no need to bring your own.

The session lasts approximately two hours (ending around noon). It alternates between:

• Zazen — seated meditation, the heart of the practice
• Kinhin — slow walking meditation between two periods of sitting
• The Heart Sutra — a short ceremony at the end of the session; you are not required to participate

After the session, if you wish, stay for coffee with the group.

What to bring

• Loose, dark clothing: no jeans, no bright colours — anything that allows you to cross your legs comfortably.
• €5 in cash (or bank transfer).
• Zafus and zabutons are provided by the dojo.

Getting there

50 rue Labat, Espace Mélane, 75018 Paris · Courtyard entrance.

Château-Rouge metro (line 4) or Marcadet-Poissonniers (lines 4 and 12).