We are a lay Zen group that practices together in the Zen Buddhist tradition under the guidance of our teacher Jack Duffy Roshi. Jack, a dharma heir of Robert Aitken Roshi, lives on Lummi Island in the San Juan Island chain.
Twice a year, Jack leads retreats in the Spokane area twice a year.
Our weekly practice and retreats in Spokane are open to all. Although our orientation and form is Buddhist, you do not need to be a Buddhist to participate. Practitioners from all traditions are welcome.
Our group practice consists of
- Weekly Zazen (group sitting meditation practice)
- Mondays, 7:00am-7:50am
- Wednesdays, 7:15pm-8:15pm
- Saturdays, 8am-9:30am
- Semi-annual Retreat Practice
- Book Study (Third Thursday of the month, following the regular session)
- Daily Individual Practice (at home)
Weekly Zazen (group sitting meditation practice)
We meet Mondays, 7:15am-7:50am; Wednesdays, 7:15-8:15 pm; and Saturdays 8:00-9:30am. We sit in the Saranac meditation room, 25 W Main Ave., Spokane. Our schedule consists of 25-minute sitting periods (two on Mondays and Wednesdays, and three on Saturdays), 5-minute walking meditation (kinhin) periods (one on Mondays and Wednesdays, two on Saturdays), and a short sutra recital.
We follow our Saturday sits with a reading by a sangha member.
Orientation to Zen practice is offered prior to meditation practice, by arrangement (our meditation hall is in a building that is locked to protect the tenants from theft). Once you come to a session, we can give you the number to get into the building yourself.
To arrange for your first visit and orientation, please visit our Contact page.
If you’ve never meditated before, please see our information for Newcomers.
Long Sit
On the first Saturday of the month, we hold a long sit following our regular sit. The long sit begins at 10am and concludes at 11:30. It includes zazen, kinhin and sutras.
Book Study
3rd Saturday of each month, 10:00 am (after regular sitting)
Saranac second floor conference room