Zen Intensive Practice

We periodically offer Zen term intensives. Term intensives provide a supportive structure to commit to an additional level of practice for a set period of time. The purpose of the intensive is to deepen your practice, renew your commitment to the Dharma, and if you like, make a commitment to other aspects that can help make positive changes in your life. During the intensive, we hold weekly online meetings for participants to support each other.

Participants typically commit to increased zazen during the duration of the term intensive. For example, you might pledge to sit one extra day per week or increase their sitting time. You can be specific about the amount of time you want to commit to each day (or specific days), or be more flexible and commit to a certain amount of extra time per week. In addition, you could commit to chanting, doing volunteer work, or committing to a specific mindfulness practice like mindful walking or driving. Some participants choose to cut back on activities that hamper practice, like eating less junk food, spending less time doomscrolling, or getting to bed on time.

We will announce upcoming term intensives here and on the event calendar.

The Zen 108 Days of Practice

The “Zen 108” is a practice of taking up the commitment of sitting zazen (for one hour preferably) for 108 days consecutively, in any increments. This is a wonderful way to re-commit to Zazen, to deepen your Zen practice, and to build a habit of daily sitting.

For students who commit to 60 minutes a day, we recommend no more than 3 sitting periods throughout the day. If you are taking up the Zen 108, please work with one of our teachers.

One Heart Sangha celebrates the completion of 108 days with a bead ceremony.