The foundation of Zen practice is daily sitting meditation, zazen. But that is not all of Zen practice. Study, regular meetings with a teacher, intensive retreats, participating in the life of the sangha—the community of practice—and deep inquiry into our everyday lives are essential complements to zazen. Appamada offers opportunities to engage Zen practice more deeply in these ways. There are many other possibilities locally and online as well.

Zen living is abundant living, not austere ascetic detachment: it is the very fabric of your everyday life, and the lives of those you touch. We teach Zen practice as relationality: we are in intimate relationship with ourselves, with other beings, with everything we experience, in this very moment. Here you can find links to more information about the teachings offered here at Appamada. As your practice matures and deepens, you will probably find these opportunities helpful in supporting your practice and your life.

Precepts ceremony, 2009

The resident teachers at Appamada
Flint Sparks, Ph.D.
Peg Syverson, Ph.D.

About practice discussion
Meeting individually with a teacher to discuss your Zen practice as it manifests in your everyday life and relationships is an important part of the Zen path. More about practice discussion…

About inquiry group
Inquiry is an opportunity to ask practice questions and open to the Great Mystery in a supportive practice environment. In this open and intimate group setting, we can learn from each other and learn with each other by engaging the teacher in the questions and issues we are wrestling with in our practice of everyday living. Inquiry group meets Tuesdays at 12:30 PM and 6:30 PM. Everyone is welcome.

Intensives and one-day sittings
Practice intensives are intentional experiences for exploration and for deepening our practice. We come together to support each other in a simplified way of living so that we can open our awareness fully to our life and our path. Part of that experience includes giving ourselves permission to experience and work with whatever arises in the context of our practice. Appamada offers one-day sittings and longer intensives regularly through the year. More about intensives…

Classes and workshops
Regularly scheduled classes and workshops are excellent opportunities to sample the teaching at Appamada and to learn more about Zen practice and the Appamada community. Unless specific prerequisites are noted, all classes and workshops are open to everyone. For other offerings, please consult the calendar. More information about classes…

Study
We are developing an open, integrated curriculum for Zen study over time. We will be posting more about this as it develops.

Other Resources:
Chants, sutras and readings
Recommended Reading
Talks and writing by Flint and Peg
Poetry
Relevant web links
Zendo supplies: resources for home meditation spaces