Our lineage has been running a zazen (meditation) group at The Buddhist Society since 1966 when it was started by Ven. Myokyo-ni (Irmgard Schloegl). The group is now supported by two residential training centres in North London and Luton, which were founded in 1984 and 1996 respectively. The main classes continue to be held at the Buddhist Society. Another venue outside London is used for the longer sesshins (residential retreats). The group includes a small Sangha and a larger membership of lay practitioners, including a number of experienced lay teachers.

The Centre runs a structured programme of activities carefully designed to allow students to develop gradually and safely a sound practical grasp of the teachings and to apply this to all aspects of their daily lives.

It was the 28th Indian patriarch, Bodhidharma, who according to legend brought Zen Buddhism from India to China. He summarised his teaching in a four line verse:

“A special transmission outside the teachings,

Not dependent on words and phrases,

Directly pointing to the human heart,

Seeing into its Nature and becoming Buddha.”

Although the Zen school places emphasis on one’s own realisation, a thorough grounding in basic Buddhist teachings is an essential underpinning.

Those wishing to join our classes are therefore expected to have an understanding of Buddhism commensurate with attending the Society’s Introduction to Buddhism course or it’s Correspondence Course. Interested students are also asked to familiarise themselves with the following publications: The Zen Way, Living Buddhism and Gentling the Bull by Venerable Myokyo-ni. (All are available from the Buddhist Society bookshop.)

The Zen Way emphasises the training in one’s ordinary daily round of activities. It is not that we do different things but we cultivate a different attitude to the same things. This attitude is one of whole-heartedly giving one’s self into daily life as it is rather than wishing things always to be different. In due course we become aware that bubbling under the surface is a feeling of dissatisfaction that manifests as a constant stream of wanting and judging. In the beginning this is how our hearts appear however it is this same heart that is the foundation for the wisdom, compassion and joy we hear so much of in Buddhism. It is the transformation of this heart that the Zen Way leads toward.

For those living in or near London, and who can attend, there is on Monday evenings a class in the Fundamentals of Zen Practice, which introduces students to daily life practice and zazen (sitting meditation on a cushion if possible otherwise on a chair). There is also opportunity to ask questions and receive pointers to practice when difficulties arise. For those living further a field the monthly Zen Sundays offer an opportunity to spend a day hearing the Dharma also to ask questions about daily life practice and zazen.

Once students have shown themselves to have settled into the practice then further opportunities become available. For those living in or near London further weekly zazen classes are available and for all the opportunity to participate in the training activities at the residential temples and attend intensive sesshins (retreats).

Our training programme is structured so that students have the opportunity to deepen study and practice so that the one supports the other.