Activities and Practice

The Toronto Zen Centre holds daily periods of zazen meditation and offers private instruction in the practices of Zen Buddhism. There are opportunities for sutra recitation, study groups, Buddhist ceremonies, all-day sittings, listening to Zen commentaries by the teacher, and talks by senior members. Two to seven-day retreats for the intensive practice of Zen are held periodically here, as well as in Vermont. View the Calendar to see a schedule of upcoming events and activities.

TEISHOS AND OTHER TALKS Teishos are formal Zen commentaries or talks on a Buddhist text (sutra), koan, or other Buddhist subject, presented by Sensei. They are usually held during the last forty-five minutes of Sunday sittings. Dharma Talks are given by senior members of the Centre on various aspects of Zen practice. Entering the Way Talks are also given by members of the Centre and revolve around how that person came to the practice of Zen.

STUDY GROUPS Opportunities for both beginning and experienced Zen students to explore the fundamental teachings of Zen and their relation to daily practice, through engaging in informal discussion.

ONE-DAY SITTINGS Introduction to intensive silent retreat, in a moderate schedule of zazen, chanting, teisho, and eating in silence.

SESSHIN RETREATS Two to seven-day, intensive silent retreats for experienced meditators in a rigorous schedule, beginning each day at 4 a.m. with walking meditation, chanting, and prostrations, and ending at 9:30 p.m. There are 14 formal periods of meditation with breaks for vegetarian meals, work, rest, and exercise. Zen talks are given every day and private instruction three times daily.

•  View the Calendar and the News & Features section to see what activities are coming soon.

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