About the London Zen Group
Zazen at the Highbury Dojo
The Group
The London Zen Group meets every day (as of 31 Aug 2010) at one of three locations in London to practise zazen - seated meditaiton. Zazen sessions are facilitated by one of a small group of dedicated and experienced zen practitioners who have received ordinations either as Zen Monk/Nun or who have recieved the zen precepts.
Taisen Deshimaru Roshi
The focus and core of our practise is zazen, and kinhin (slow, concentrated walking meditation)
Additionaly though, we also practise ceremony (chanting, bowing etc. - after each zazen), samu (work practise - at organised times), sewing (the sewing of rakusus or kesas for those seeking to receive ordination), oryoki (formal meals), and have several social events each year.
We are affiliated to the Association Zen Internationale based in France and founded by Zen Master Taisen Deshimaru as well as with, The International Zen Association United Kingdom (IZAUK) with headquarters in Bristol and composed of all the AZI affiliated groups in the UK.
Soto Zen and Zazen
Soto Zen is the school of Zen Buddhism founded by Zen Master Eihei Dogen in 13th century Japan and firmly established by Zen Master Keizan Jokin in the late 13th and early 14th century. Traditionally, Soto Zen has always emphasised the practice of zazen. Zazen, sitting in a posture of stillness and silence, is both the practice and the teaching of the Buddha; it is not seperate from enlightenment.
"True Zen means sitting quietly in the right posture. Zen means setting the mind at rest, concentrating intuition and reasoning together. Zen is not some special state, it is our normal condition, silent, peaceful, awake, without agitation"
~ Taisen Deshimaru 1914 - 1982
Zazen Days and Sesshins
Once per year (often more), London Zen Group hosts a zazen day where we invite one of our Teachers from France to come and lead our practice.
Several times per year, IZAUK organises longer sesshins (1.5 - 7 day retreats) at various locations in the UK.
Within the UK, there are often other events organised by UK groups such as zazen mornings, and opportunities to practice the sewing of rakusus and kesas. You can check our calendar of events for information on all forthcoming events which we think may be of interest to the London Sangha, or you can check the IZAUK website calendar of events, to see all events nationwide.
Internationally, there are many events held across Europe throughout the year. These include the Summer Sessions (9 day practice periods) held at our main Temple of La Gendronnèire. Check the AZI Website for further information on these.
Other events
The London group may also organise other practise events during the year, in the past we have held 1/2 days, evenings, and all-night sittings (for Rohatsu) - keep your eye on the calendar of events to see what's forthcoming