Fundamentals of Zen Buddhism
2025-08-04 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-08-11 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-08-18 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-08-25 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-09-01 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-09-08 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-09-15 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-09-22 18:30 - 20:00 (Europe/London) and 17 more dates | The Buddhist Society, 58 Eccleston Square, London, SW1V 1PH, United Kingdom
Mondays at 6.30pm
In person and online classes for members and those who have completed the Introducing Buddhism Course or equivalent
New members wishing to join the class are requested to email librarianatthebuddhistsocietydotorg
The class is usually held on a Monday evening at 6.30 – 8.00pm.
All members of the Society are welcome to attend, provided that they have some familiarity with the basic principles of Buddhist teaching and practice.
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Newcomers are most welcome to join at anytime, but a familiarity with the basic principles of Buddhism is expected. It is recommended that those who wish to attend Fundamentals of Zen, first take the 7-week Introducing Buddhism course.
In order to benefit fully, regular attendance at the Zen class is recommended.
Each class includes a talk on some specific point of Zen practice, and in this way participants become familiar with the sayings and stories of the old Zen masters.
Participants are introduced to the essentials of the quiet sitting practice (zazen) and are given guidelines for practicing at home. (Sitting meditation on a cushion if possible, otherwise on a chair.)
Participants are also given suggestions for practice in their daily lives, and are helped to discover for themselves how to practice Zen in their ordinary day-to-day activities.
In the regular practice discussion periods, there are opportunities to discuss any difficulties, and to learn from each others experience how these difficulties may be overcome.
The class ends with a short period of formal meditation and chanting.
Once students have shown that they have settled into the Daily Life Practice, which includes a practical understanding of ‘giving myself wholeheartedly into whatever activity is being done at this moment’, as well as working with the emotions, they will then be invited to join the main zazen group that meets on Tuesday and Friday at the Buddhist Society.

Class Material Website:
http://living-buddhism-courses.org/mon-zen/

Zen Sundays Online
2025-10-26 11:00 - 15:30, 2025-11-30 11:00 - 15:30, 2025-12-28 11:00 - 15:30, 2026-01-25 11:00 - 15:30, 2026-02-22 11:00 - 15:30
Usually the last Sunday of the month in term time
Free online monthly classes through Zoom – details below

Join Zoom Meeting
https://thebuddhistsociety.zoom.us/j/89123490588
Meeting ID: 891 2349 0588
Zen Sundays are for newcomers wishing to learn more about Zen Buddhism and seasoned practitioners alike.
These classes are open to all, but are designed for those unable to attend during the week, allowing them to engage fully in the Zen training programme. There will be an opportunity to have a personal talk with an experienced teacher.
– Morning session run by senior members of Shobo-an Zen Temple
– Afternoon session led by ordained members of the sangha
This class is usually run on Sundays monthly (online schedule 11.00am 12:00pm and 2:00pm to 3:30pm) and is open to non-members and newcomers.
Please arrive a few minutes before the class starts to settle in
These classes are free and open to non-members but students are encouraged to join The Buddhist Society as members to support our wonderful free classes and courses and donations are very welcome.
