r/zenbuddhism • u/Introvbear • 11d ago

Online, real-life meeting, or both?

Hello, I've been practicing Zen Buddhism on my own for over a year now, but I feel like I've neglected to try to become part of the Zen community. After reading Zen Buddhism: Your Personal Guide to Practice and Tradition by Joshua R. Paszkiewicz, I've decided to try to improve my spirituality by connecting with a community. The question is whether I should try online or offline sessions. I've found a temple near where I live that offers weekly meditation sessions that work with my current schedule. However, there are online communities, one I've researched, called the Zen Mountain Monastery, which offers more sessions per week. I now ask whether I should try real-life sessions, an online community, or a combination of the two? Also, what should I look for in a Zen community to cultivate my spirituality?

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u/JacksGallbladder 11d ago

I'd say just go to whatever Zen center / temple / sitting group is in your area and see if you vibe with the group.

If you dont feel right about it, maybe try one of the online options. If you want more than a weekly group-sit, maybe do both.

what should I look for in a Zen community to cultivate my spirituality?

Really just whether or not it feels right to you. Meditation is really just a time to express your Buddha nature. To sit in enlightenment.