what is zen?

Zen means quiet equanimity, the quiet that comes when we let go of our constant thoughts and judgments and see life just as it is. The Buddha discovered this equanimity 2500 years ago in Northern India. Since then it has been passed from heart to heart through many cultures, reaching the West in many forms. At Iowa City Zen Center our basic practice is zazen--sitting in quiet equanimity.  We sit facing the wall, letting go of thoughts and watching our breaths. Letting go of thoughts, mind becomes clear, seeing beyond egoistic ideas of comfort and reward. Then we can understand the pure nature of all things, their constant change and their interconnectedness -- suchness. When zazen ends we continue this effort to go beyond ourselves into suchness throughout the round of our daily lives.

zen is for everybody!

People of all religions, races, sexual preferences, and genders are welcome to participate in Zen Center activities. If you wish, you may do your own form of meditation (e.g., TM or Christian meditation) as part of our community. Though we are a Buddhist community, we offer our support to people on other paths. We ask that you abide by our customs of sitting and walking in the zendo (meditation hall), though. If you already practice zazen or some other form of meditation, you are welcome to join us at any zazen time.