Olympia Zen Center
Order of Ryokan
Zazen, Zen Meditation, is the Center of our Practice and
Daily Life
We look forward to a return of Inoue Kando Roshi in the fall.
Please watch this space for details on Zoom live from his temple, Shorinji in Japan
"Unless one knows the essence of studying the Way, it is impossible to practice it; for how, otherwise could one determine what is right and what is wrong? Those who now study the Way through the practice of zazen naturally transmit this essence."
Eihei Dogen Zenji
Founder of Soto Zen
More About Our Practice
Zen sitting, Zazen, is our most important matter. All of our actions begin with the spiritual practice of Zazen which is the deepest form of prayer. We also hold ceremonies in which we chant, voicing the Buddhadharma.
The Zafu
The Zafu cushion is used to sit quietly in meditation, but we also offer benches and chairs. This makes it suitable for all ages and abilities to experience profound and restorative silence as we sit together.
Zendo and Dharma Hall
The Zendo, or Dharma hall is our sacred place of practice. A statue of the Buddha reminds us of the virtues advocated in Zen practice and exemplified by the Buddha and our two founders Eihei Dogen Zenji and Keizan Jokin Zenji.
Zen Sitting Together
In this challenging and changing world, we come together to support one another as we sit in silence and strengthen our resolve to Awaken and serve life in the best way possible.
Olympia Zen Center is now open for practice at our regular schedule and capacity. Health Department requires that you show evidence of a full vaccination against Covid-19. If you cannot, you must wear a mask and sit in a section that is socially distanced from the rest of the community. We fully encourage everyone to receive a vaccination for their own sake and for others around them.