Ordinary Mind Zen Melbourne offers a Zen Buddhist approach to cultivating mindful awareness and presence in the activities of daily life.
It is open to beginners and experienced practitioners, and people of all traditions. The group is evolving a style of Zen Buddhism that is adapted to Western temperaments and ways of life, but maintains the rigour and discipline of its traditional roots.
Everyone is welcome to join us for our activities. We offer monthly meditation meetings, zazenkai (one-day sittings) three times a year, and sesshin (multi-day meditation intensives) once a year
The monthly meditation meetings are suitable for anyone with little or no meditation experience. If you are coming for the first time, please contact us to arrange an introduction for newcomers.
News & Updates
| 2019 Four-Day Sesshin Not a silent spring It’s a symphony of songs Blest Sesshin and yet Penny Wagstaff (Nov 2019)  In the Dojo Feeling the vibrations Of the Tibetan bowl ringing All sitting still and quiet A moment of silence Then the magpies song. Michelle Morris (Nov 2019)  Morning walks Surrounded by soft mist. Tiny water droplets glisten, Spiders web is made visible. We stand watching the two horses So present in their horseness They see us The expression in the grey one’s eyes Touches me deeply Michelle Morris (Nov 2019)  Dharma talks Geoff’s talks Provoking, humorous, inspiring Planting seeds in our minds and hearts Michelle Morris (Nov 2019)  |
| Dharma Talks by Geoff Dawson Sesshin Day 3 The “Fifth” Noble Abode – Nov 2019 Sesshin Day 2 To Mature in Buddha’s Wisdom – Nov 2019 Sesshin Day 1 The Last Troubadour – Nov 2019 Nansen Kills The Cat 2 Absorptions and Awakenings Global Warming |
| The Gift of Non-Striving Reflective Talk by Anja Click here to access talk |
| Trees, grass, dirt and earth: ancient wisdom and modern insights Contribution by Penny Just sitting is the essential Zen way to realising our connection with all things, but like many I find spending time in nature is also important to help me remain balanced when faced with personal challenges… I am grateful for the inspiration of ancient Indigenous wisdom.. Link to Penny’s contribution.  |
| Dharma Talks By Geoff Dawson A thousand mistakes. Ten thousand mistakes! The Courage to Practice the Precepts Self Confidence and No-Self Confidence Discovering The Obvious The Flow of Everyday Life Where did we come from? Who are we? Where are we going? At Home in Solitude |
| Dance of Sesshin Reflective Talk by Tom Click here to access talk |
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation, and pay respect to them and to their Elders past, present and emerging. We give thanks for their wisdom and for their care of country since ancient times, and acknowledge their resilience, their continuing culture, and the ongoing contribution they make to the life of this region.
