Meditation meetings

Ordinary Mind Zen Melbourne meets on the 3rd Sunday each month at Kangaroo Ground, near Eltham & Warrandyte.

The meditation meetings are suitable for anyone with little or no meditation experience.  Please feel free to bring along any interested friends. See Starting Out for newcomers. We provide an orientation for newcomers just before the mediation commences. If you are coming for the first time and would like to attend, please Contact Us  1-2 weeks in advance.

At each meditation meeting, participants normally make a $15 donation towards the running of the group and the meditation centre.

8.45am     Orientation for newcomers

9.00am     Arrival and setup places

9.30am     Sitting & Walking meditation

11.30pm   Meditation concludes. Small informal group discussion

12:00pm   Close    

If you are coming for the first time, we will explain the process, which is:

  • The meditation is in a hall (dojo), sitting on cushions, stools or chairs.
  • To minimise distraction, dark plain clothing should be worn. Bright colours and perfumes should be avoided
  • At commencement, sutras (texts) are read aloud.
  • Bowing also occurs, which shows respect for the practice, the teachings, and each other.
  • Zazen (sitting meditation) is then undertaken in periods of about 30 minutes.
  • In between, there are short 5-10 minute periods of walking meditation, called kinhin
  • Both zazen and kinhin are carried out in silence, except for bells and clappers which mark the beginning and end of each period.
  • During kinhin, participants needing a drink or bathroom may quietly bow and leave the room, then quietly return and rejoin kinhin before it concludes.
  • After about 2 hours the meditation concludes.
  • There is then a small informal discussion group for 30 minutes, where there is a reflection on a text, talk or aspect of Zen practice.