The monastic rhythm is one in which the contemplative can find solace and surrender to the stillness, which comes from not being concerned with their daily schedule. Monastics know that a specific schedule exists for them, and therefore can empty the mind of trying to figure out "what to do".

Unfortunately, since losing our physical monastery, we are temporarily unable to adhere as tightly to the monastic rhythms, but still find the essence of freedom in adapting the schedule to our individual lives. Whenever possible, those living in intentional communities, adjust the schedule so that all (or at least most) members of that residential community can share in the entire schedule.

Visitors and first time vocations inquirers are requested to schedule their first visit with us for a Sunday morning, so that we can introduce them to the practice of zazen, and provide some basic orientation to the Eight Gates of Dharma matrix within which we practice. The Sunday morning program includes the Contemplative Monks Eucharistic Liturgy, Aarati, an hour-long Zen meditation session (zazen) and a Dharma talk, introducing the essential aspects of the Eight Dharma Gates, the Four Spirits of the Dharma and an introduction to the Four Noble Truths.

Anyone who has completed a Sunday morning Orientation Instruction is encouraged to consider joining any of our local satsangs for zazen, liturgy, puja or seva during the week.

Contact your local satsang for reservation information.

Sunday Morning Schedule

Year Round

9 am Seva - Members of the Contemplative Order of Compassion take care of the Temple, Ladrang or other Order properties, and perform household tasks on their particular residence.

11 am - 1:30 pm - Liturgy, Orientation Instruction, Zazen, and a brief Dharma talk.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early if this is your first visit. Suggested donation for Sunday Service $5-$10. Plan on participating in the full Sunday morning program which concludes at 1:30 pm.

Wednesday thru Saturday Mornings*

3:00 am – 4:20 am Zazen & Puja

11:20 am – 12:30 am Morning Liturgy

1 pm – 3 pm Private Dharma instruction (monastic formation) - closed to the public.

Tuesday–Saturday Evenings*

Year Round

5:00 pm – 7:20 pm Private Dharma instruction (monastic formation) - closed to the public.

7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Zazen & Aarati

Suggested donation for Tuesday–Saturday (morning or evening) is $5-$10

* On the first Saturday of each month, we have zazenkai (literally meaning "to come together for meditation"), which is a Zen Buddhist mini-retreat which includes three 45 minute zazen periods, interweaved with a short period of mantra chanting or contemplative kirtan. On zazenkai days, there is no other morning or evening zazen practice. Zazenkai begins at 1 pm year round, allowing practitioners to eat a light meal prior to coming. At the conclusion of the day, a common meal is shared. The suggested donation for zazenkai is $25.

**On Saturday preceeding the full-moon of each month, there is an extended zazen practice, called sesshin, which includes four 90-minute zazen periods, interspersed with short periods of silent reflection on various contemplative readings. Sesshin begins and ends with a period of mantra chanting. On Sesshin days, there are no other liturgy or zazen periods observed. Sesshin begins at noon year-round and ends at 7 PM. It is followed by a common meal. Suggested donation for sesshin is $25.

In order to permit monastics to enjoy a sense of balance, the monasteries and temples are closed to the public from Sunday at 2 pm until Tuesday at 5 pm, and all other days between the hours of 9:30 PM - 2:30 am and 4:45 am until 11 am.

Hermitages & Cloistered Abbeys

The eremitic or hermit's life is reserved for those monks who have a minimum of 20 years spiritual practice, and who have served a minimum of five years of engaged dharma (public ministry). For those living in eremtic or cloistered communities, the monastic rhythm is significantly different. Each eremitic monk is required to spend a minimum of four hours each day in solitary meditation, and is free to engage in the various liturgical traditions, pujas or other sadhanas as they choose.