KentZendo.org

Frequently Asked Questions (and their answers)

Many people have asked us questions like these, so we thought we'd address them here. If you still have questions or comments, as always, feel free to use the Contact Us page.

Are your events open to beginners? Are there more informal events for beginners?

Does the Kent Zendo offer meditation classes or lessons?

What types of events does the Kent Zendo offer? When/where do you meet?

Do I need to bring anything to meditate? Is there anything I need to know before attending?

I'm looking for a group closer to where I live - can you recommend one?

Can you explain the philosophy of the Kent Zendo?

Where can I find more information about the Kent Zendo?

Are your events open to beginners? Are there more informal events for beginners?

All of our events are fairly informal and are open to the public and beginners (though for our retreat events, we generally ask people to register). We encourage beginners to investigate a variety of area groups to find one that's right for them.

Does the Kent Zendo offer meditation classes or lessons?

At our regular Sunday sittings, our teacher Tim McCarthy offers instruction in Soto-style seated meditation (or zazen). We don't call them lessons or classes, but there's time during the discussion portion of the Sunday meetings to ask questions. After the discussion, we sit in meditation for 20 minutes, and we give beginners instruction beforehand.

What types of events does the Kent Zendo offer? When/where do you meet?

We have regular sittings where we instruct, discuss, and meditate. We conduct retreats which offer extended periods of meditation. Working with the Cleveland Buddhist Temple, Tim McCarthy conducts Intro to Buddhism talks and Pet Memorial services. Meeting descriptions, places, and times can be found on the Events page.

Do I need to bring anything to meditate? Is there anything I need to know before attending?

We recommend wearing loose clothing to try different postures and find one that's comfortable. If you have your own meditation cushion (or zafu), feel free to bring it no matter how irreverent it may be. However, we bring sitting cushions for people to use. The rooms we sit in are carpeted, so mats (or zabutons) are not needed. If you need to sit in a chair rather than a cushion, that's not a problem.

Also, we ask people to have an open mind about trying anything new, especially meditation (or zazen).

I'm looking for a group closer to where I live - can you recommend one?

We encourage people to try different groups to find the right fit for them. There are many Buddhist groups in Northeast Ohio. We recommend looking at the Northeast Ohio Buddhist Meditation Weekly Schedule.

Can you explain the philosophy of the Kent Zendo?

This is a fairly big question that might be best addressed in person by our teacher Tim McCarthy. The About Us page has a very brief overview of Zen Buddhism and our mission.

Where can I find more information about the Kent Zendo?

Besides the information on this site, you can look at our Facebook page and our Google group. Please contact us at those places or on our Contact Us page if you have questions.