We offer two zazen-kai sessions every Sunday, year-round, in the Upper House at Hakone Gardens, Saratoga. Map & Directions
8:00–8:50 am
40 minutes of continuous sitting.
- Keisaku: About halfway through, everyone receives the keisaku (a flat wooden stick). Unlike the hard strikes often used in Japan, we give only a gentle tap on the shoulders. It’s also a moment for everyone to stretch and change sitting position if they need to.
- Sharing: After sitting, a volunteer speaker (chosen the week before) shares their thoughts, learnings, or experiences with the sangha. Each sharing is posted on our blog for anyone who couldn’t attend.
9:00–9:50 am
Two 20-minute sittings with a 2-minute silent break between them. No keisaku or sharing.
First visit? Orientation is required.
- 8:00 session: arrive at the Upper House by 7:45 am
- 9:00 session: meet us at the Office gate by 8:50 am (top of the parking lot)
New to zazen? The 9:00 session’s two shorter sittings can be an easier place to start. First-visit details →
Reservations
No walk-ins. Seats are for registered students with a reservation. Each student can reserve one spot per week, either 8:00 or 9:00. Reservations close Saturday at 5:30 pm (Pacific), or earlier if the session fills up.
If a session is canceled, we’ll let registered students know by email.
