Weekly Meditation Classes

Posted on Feb 25 , 2011 in Our Programs

Weekly Meditation Classes are always free but a suggested donation of $5 helps us keep these programs running. If you are interested in learning about zen meditation, the best way to start is to attend a walk-in meditation instruction class at the zen center. By attending the class you will learn about what zen teaching is and the meditation techniques that we use here, as well as a general introduction to the zen center. The hour-long class is free and no registration is required. See the schedule below.

Wednesdays

First Wednesday each month

5:30pm Public dinner
6:30pm Meditation instruction class
6:30pm Special Chanting
7:00pm Regular Chanting
7:30pm Sitting and walking meditation to 8:30pm plus Zen interviews with Zen Master Bon Haeng (Mark Houghton) or Nancy Hedgpeth, JDPSN or a guest teacher

Second Wednesday each month

5:30pm Public dinner
6:30pm Meditation instruction class
6:30pm Special Chanting
7:00pm Regular Chanting
7:30pm Sitting and walking meditation to 8:30pm plus consulting interviews with a senior student

Third Wednesday each month

Fourth Wednesday each month

5:30pm Public dinner
6:30pm Meditation instruction class
6:30pm Special Chanting
7:00pm Regular Chanting
7:30pm Talk

Fifth Wednesday each month (if any)

5:30pm Public dinner
6:30pm Meditation instruction class
6:30pm Special Chanting
7:00pm Regular Chanting
7:30pm Sitting and walking meditation to 8:30pm

Sundays

Note: Sunday programs are subject to change. Please call (401-658-1464) to confirm.

First Sunday each month

No Sunday program, but there is usually a two- or three-day Yong Maeng Jong Jin retreat the first weekend.

See the retreat schedule for details.

Second Sunday each month

9:00am Meditation instruction class

10:00am Talk

10:00am Dharma School class in meditation, mindfulness, and the Buddhist tradition
for children ages 4-17 and their families

Third Sunday each month

One-day meditation retreat or Foundations of Zen workshop.

See the retreat schedule for details.

Fourth Sunday each month

9:00am Meditation instruction class

10:00am Sitting and walking meditation to noon plus Zen interviews with Zen Master Bon Haeng (Mark Houghton) or Nancy Hedgpeth, JDPSN or consulting interviews with a senior student

Fifth Sunday each month (if any)

No program

Please note that there is no public practice, meditation instruction or dinner during Yong Maeng Jong Jin retreats – see the retreat schedule.

50 Comments → “ Weekly Meditation Classes ”

christina gonsalves

2 years ago

im interested in zen meditation classes.but i work on wedsndays…are there any other days that the meditation is held on.cuz i really want to attend

Reply
- jeff
  
  2 years ago
  
  The second and fourth Sundays of each month we hold meditation instruction class at 9:00 AM.
  
  We also hold public meditation every morning and evening that anyone is welcome to attend, although prior meditation experience is recommended, you can see the schedule posted on the right hand column.
  
  Thanks for your question Christina
  
  Reply
Mary Frain

2 years ago

Hi,
I’m intertested in the meditation instruction class? Do I need to bring anything, such as a yoga mat?

Thanks!

Reply
- jeff
  
  2 years ago
  
  We have plenty of mats available, thanks for asking. Feel free to come to our public dinner at 5:30 too!
  
  Reply
Martha Moreno

2 years ago

I was interested in the walking and sitting meditation on Sunday – (5/29). I have attended an instruction class already. Would it be ok if I attended the Sunday one?

Thanks

Reply
Martha Moreno

2 years ago

One other thing. What transpires in a Zen interview or consulting interview – What’s that all about?

thanks again

Reply
- jeff
  
  2 years ago
  
  Hi Martha, yes feel free to attend whenever you would like. We also have a scheduled Work Day going on at that time you are welcome to attend.
  
  Interviews usually happen during retreats and on certain Wednesday nights (see calender). We have two kinds of interviews we use in our practice. A consulting interview is with a Senior Dharma Teacher or Bodhisattva Teacher and is good time to ask questions about practice. A kong-an interview is with a person has received inka (JDPSN) or a Zen Master.
  
  Here’s an excerpt from a kong-an workshop were Zen Master Soeng Hyang and Zen Master Bon Yeon explain about kong-ans. http://www.kwanumzen.org/2000/kong-an-workshop/
  
  Here’s another link to more articles on our school’s website if you would like to read more. http://www.kwanumzen.org/?s=interview
  
  Reply
Guillaume Riesen

2 years ago

Hello, I’m considering attending one of your Wednesday dinners and meditation sessions.

However, I have a deadly tree nut allergy (walnuts, pecans, macademia nuts, brazil nuts). Are your dinners nut-safe, or is there a risk of contamination?

Thanks so much!

Reply
- jeff
  
  2 years ago
  
  I’m not sure if I would eat here if I had a deadly nut allergy. I suggest bringing something of your own just to be safe.
  
  Reply
Phoebe

1 year ago

I would love to attend the Zen Center and I am learning more about changing my life and searching for a new path…
I live in providence and would like to know if there is a city bus that would be near this Zen Center?

Reply
- jeff
  
  1 year ago
  
  Hi Phoebe, I don’t know of a city bus but we do have transportation options here: http://www.providencezen.org/group-rentals/transportation-options
  
  Reply
Miguel

1 year ago

Hi. I am new to meditation and don’t have experience but would love to start and change my life. Do I need previous experience? Can I attend? Will someone teach me how to meditate? Thank-you

Reply
- jeff
  
  1 year ago
  
  Hi Miguel, No you don’t need any experience , YES! you can attend and YES! someone will teach you how to meditate.
  
  Reply
Miguel

1 year ago

Thank-you for the response. As I understand, the classes are every Wednesday at 6:30pm. Correct?

Reply
jeff

1 year ago

Every Wednesday and the second and fourth Sunday of each month.

Reply
Colin

1 year ago

What is the proper attire for an introductory class?

Reply
- jeff
  
  1 year ago
  
  Hi Colin, loose comfortable clothing is best. track suit or sweat pants is usually good.
  
  Reply
Ken

1 year ago

Hi. I was there last Wednesday for the first time and did the meditation training and then the one hour meditation from 7:30 to 8:30. I would like to come in tonight for the chanting meditations. Anything I should know before coming? Thanks.

Reply
jeff

1 year ago

Hi Ken, Grab a chanting book from behind the door in the Dharma room, find a cushion and follow along! Thanks for your practice _/|\_

Reply
Jenifer

1 year ago

Hello! I’d like to come for dinner and meditation tomorrow evening. Just wanted to be certain you are having it. Thank you.

Reply
- jeff
  
  1 year ago
  
  Hi Jenifer, Yep! Every Wednesday, hope to see you.
  
  Reply
Tina

1 year ago

I’d love to come learn how to meditate and chant, etc., but I have a spine injury and I’m not sure getting on the floor is going to work for me. Is it all sitting on cushions on the floor or are there chairs with backs I could put a cushion in? I’m hoping mediation will help with pain. Thanks.

Reply
- jeff
  
  1 year ago
  
  Hi Tina, Yes we have chairs available for people that need them. Thank you!
  
  Reply
  - Tina
    
    1 year ago
    
    Thank you. Is there a drop box to put a donation for the meditation class tonight or are we just supposed to use paypal?
    
    Reply
    - jeff
      
      1 year ago
      
      Hi Tina, Yes we do have donation boxes but if you want to use PayPal that is also available. thank you!
      
      Reply
Kelsey

11 months ago

I wanted to go to the Introduction to Meditation class tomorrow morning, I just wanted to be sure it was definitely going on. Also, I was wondering how long it goes for, so I can plan out things for work.

Reply
- jeff
  
  11 months ago
  
  Hi Kelsey, yes the class happened. Each class lasts about an hour with an opportunity to practice with the group for another hour after.
  
  Reply
Mary Jane

11 months ago

Good afternoon! My daughter and I are interested in attending a Wednesday public meditation session. Is there a proper attire recommended for females besides modess dress (dress/skirt vs. pants)? Also, can you tell me when the next Christian-Buddhist retreat will be held? Thank you!

Reply
- jeff
  
  11 months ago
  
  Hi Mary Jane, loose fitting pants are best and most appropriate. The next Buddhist – Christian retreat is currently being planned. It will be posted ASAP. thank you!
  
  Reply
nora

11 months ago

Understand YOGA classes are conducted

on a regular basis…

Do not see a schedule…[although remember viewing one ffor your location
a few weeks ago]

Please advice days/ time slots; and direct me to the site where schedule posted

Most grateful
Arigato

A votre sante

NMD

Reply
jeff

11 months ago

Hi Nora,

The Yoga Studio of Blackstone River Valley offers classes several days a week at the Providence Zen Center. For more information, see their website.

https://sites.google.com/site/theyogastudiobrv/

thank you!

Reply
Michelle

10 months ago

Hi, I was wondering if my 10 year old daughter would be able to accompany me to the Wednesday night meditation class? Thank you.

Reply
- jeff
  
  10 months ago
  
  Hi Michelle, Sure! We don’t get too many 10 year olds for meditation instruction but it’s certainly ok. Thanks for your question.
  
  Reply
Steve

10 months ago

Hi! I am trying to make it down today for the class, and was wondering you have cushions? Also; I saw above that sweatpants are ok?

Reply
- jeff
  
  10 months ago
  
  Hi Steve, Yes always plenty on cushions available. Sweatpants are OK, anything loose and comfortable is fine. thanks!
  
  Reply
Melissa

9 months ago

I am so very new to meditation. But, am searching for the inner peace I believe it can bring me. Not sure what the first step would be. Do I just show up at one of the wednesday evening meditation groups. feeling scared and apprehensive.

Reply
- jeff
  
  9 months ago
  
  Hi Melissa, Thank you for your comment. Yes show up on a Wednesday night. Tonight we have dinner at 5:30 which is free and open to the public and a meditation instruction class at 6:30PM. I believe many people felt a little scared and apprehensive the first time coming here. I remember feeling that way too!
  
  Reply
Brianna

8 months ago

I understand the meditation instruction class is recommended before a meditation class but is meditation included in that class?

I am researching Buddhism for my college (Providence College) world religions class and I would love to observe the meditation ritual.

Thank you!

Reply
- jeff
  
  8 months ago
  
  HI Brianna, Yes there is a short meditation period during the class. Also after the class you’ll have an opportunity to join the larger group for a couple of silent meditation periods with walking meditation in between. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
  
  Thanks!
  
  Reply
Kim Jaques

7 months ago

My 10 year old daughter is interested in attending the meditation workshops and meditation mornings. Is this possible?
Also, are there any children’s programs offered at the program?
If we join we would like to make this a family commitment.
Thank You, Kim

Reply
- jeff
  
  7 months ago
  
  Hi Kim, thanks for your comments and questions. We have a program called “Dharma School” designed for children between the ages of 4 – 12. You can read more about that here: http://www.providencezen.org/dharma-sunday-school
  
  Thanks!
  
  Reply
Cristina

7 months ago

I am very interested in learning how to meditate. Can you please give me some guidance as to the times and days of the classes. I am new to this and I have no idea where to start. Also is there a fee per class? Thank you for your time.
Cristina

Reply
- jeff
  
  7 months ago
  
  Hi Cristina, Sure no problem. We have all that information at the top of the page. Here ya go in case you missed it. http://www.providencezen.org/weekly-programs
  
  thanks!
  
  Reply
Julie

2 months ago

Can you recommend another local venue for meditation classes? I cannot do Wednesday evenings or Sunday mornings. Weekdays – daytime – works best for me.

Thank you,
Julie

Reply
- jeff
  
  2 months ago
  
  Hello Julie, I don’t know of any specific venues offering meditation instruction weekdays during business hours. However here is a link to other local Buddhist groups we have a loose affiliation with. Hope this helps! http://www.providencezen.org/contactus/greater-rhode-island-sangha
  
  Reply
Karen W.

2 weeks ago

Hi. I am interested in the meditation classes, but I am also interested in learning more about Buddhism. I see you have Dharma classes for children and families. Do you have something similar for adults? Thanks.

Reply
jeff

2 weeks ago

HI Karen, Thank you for your question! During our scheduled Dharma Talks we often discuss varies aspects of Buddhism. Also a couple times a year we usually offer a “Foundations of Zen Workshop” We don’t have any scheduled at the moment but hopefully soon. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Reply
Gregory

1 week ago

I am interested in coming to a wednesday evening meditation class. Is the dinner a silent dinner. I am a bit anxious about coming to a dinner do we have to go to the dinner or can we just come at 6:30 for the class… maybe that’s a silly question…thank you for your time.

Reply
- jeff
  
  1 week ago
  
  Hello Gregory, Thanks for your comment and question. The Wednesday evening dinner is not held in silence. Lots of friendly conversation is encouraged! If you want to skip dinner, no problem, you are welcome to come to the meditation class either way.
  
  Reply
Jennifer

1 day ago

Are all the meditation classes about the same or is there a certain one that an absolute beginner should take? Also, is this something that my teenager could attend with me? Thank you.

Reply

Weekly Meditation Classes