All natural experience entails at least a slight degree of "unsatisfactoriness". This is caused by a false view of one's existence, which in turn causes desire for things which do not exist, at least in the way we imagine. We constantly struggle unnecessarily with ourselves and our environment until we uproot the cause of this false desire: the insistence on the belief in an unchanging immutable and potentially eternal "self" or "soul".

This is achieved through a life of meditation and morality, culminating in the experience of "enlightenment" or spiritual awakening. With this experience, one sees things as they are: not fixed and static, but in a constant joyous flux in which all things are interdependent.

We are a group of persons who practice zazen, the traditional form of meditation taught in Zen Buddhism. The only requirement to learn and practice zazen with us is a sincere interest. There are no dues, levels of membership, and no ordinations. We make no formal distinctions such as "priest" or "layperson".

Zazen is a simple, easily learned practice of sitting quietly with awareness on a cushion or chair, holding a particular posture and letting thoughts, feelings, and perceptions come and go as they will. Through this practice, it is possible to gain insight into the workings of the mind and body, and also to find a stability that can be carried into daily life.

Instruction in zazen is free. Tim McCarthy, our Zen teacher, was a student of the late Kobun Chino Otagawa, Roshi. We meet most Sundays from 11 AM to 1 PM in Room 308 at the Kent State Student Center, Kent, Ohio. See the Events page for a detailed schedule.