Olympia Zen Center is a member of the Soto Zen Buddhist Association and the American Zen Teachers' Association.
Newcomer orientation is held each Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m. by appointment. Please phone (360) 357-2835 to make an appointment. Participants should wear loose, dark clothing that is comfortable to sit in for a long period without large logos or writing. Please do not wear perfume, cologne, tank tops or shorts. Shoulders and legs should be covered. Meditation cushions and mats are provided. Chairs and meditation benches are also available.
The orientation consists of a short video about Zen practice, instruction in sitting meditation, and instruction in the forms of practice and bowing. Participants then join the Zen community for regular Wednesday evening service of 40 minutes of meditation, a short ceremony, and a talk by Rev. Eido Frances Carney. The service usually concludes by 8:45 p.m. No fee is charged for this teaching, but donations are encouraged.