Introduction to Zen

Would you like to try Zen meditation? Initiation to zazen is open to everyone, with no commitment and no prerequisites. A single session is enough to discover the posture, breathing, and spirit of the practice.

Every point taught during initiation is essential—it is the most important, and you must follow the instructions to the letter. When I was a beginner in 1969, I returned five times, ten times for initiation—I was always afraid I hadn’t understood something properly. The posture must not be taken lightly.

Master Kosen

What to expect during your first session?

The day before, send an email to dojo.zen.paris@gmail.com to announce your arrival. You will receive the exact address and the latest practical information.

On Sunday morning, arrive at 9:55 AM sharp. An experienced practitioner will welcome you and guide you individually before the group session begins: zazen posture, hand position, gaze orientation, and breathing. These points are precise—take the time to understand them.

The session lasts about two hours. It includes periods of seated zazen, a meditative walk (kinhin), and a short ceremony—the Heart Sutra (hannya shingyo), common to all Buddhist schools. You are not required to participate in the ceremony if you prefer to remain silent. The session ends at 12 PM.

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

What to bring

• Comfortable, dark clothing (no jeans, no bright colors) that allows you to cross your legs.
• A scarf or cloth to support your hands on your knees.
• The dojo provides zafus and zabutons—no need to bring your own.

Zazen: a posture, not relaxation

Some forms of meditation allow for various postures. Zazen does not. The posture—body position, hand placement, gaze, and breathing—is precise and cannot be improvised. It cannot be learned alone: this is why initiation exists, and why group practice with regular corrections is irreplaceable.

Do not seek a particular state of mind during the session. Focus all your energy on the posture and breathing. Once the session is over, simply return to daily life.