Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zen Buddhism?

Put simply, Zen is unique method of body-mind training that, if practiced with sincerity and devotion, leads to self-realization, or Awakening. The heart of Zen Buddhism is zazen (sitting meditation), the most direct way to see into the mind. Zen does not rely on a particular Sutra or doctrine, but rather places emphasis on experiencing for oneself the source of the Buddha’s teachings – Awakening. With Awakening the Sutras come to life and the teachings are understood in the body as well as the mind, and may be manifested in one’s life moment-to-moment.

Where does Zen come from?

Zen or Ch’an in Chinese and Dhyana in Sanskrit means absorption or concentration, the eighth aspect of the Eight-Fold Noble Path, and is the name given to the branch of Mahayana Buddhism that places an emphasis on seated and moving meditation. Founded in China in the Fifth Century C.E. (Liang Dynasty) by the South Indian monk, Bodhidharma, it reached Japan in the Thirteenth Century, and by the mid-Twentieth Century it had spread to the West. Zen reached the shores of New Zealand in the 1970’s.

What is zazen?

Zazen is at once a method employed to realize our True Self, and at every moment the natural unfolding of this True Self. Zazen is both something one “does” and something one “is.”

Zazen literally means “sitting meditation” in Japanese, and it is the core of Zen practice, but it is essential that the one-pointed stabilized mind of awareness that one develops in zazen is extended into all one’s daily activities.

The student begins by learning to sit still in a stable and comfortable upright posture, preferably on cushions on the floor, but in a chair if necessary. The initial practices involve awareness of breathing (a practice common to many schools of Buddhism). At a later stage a first koan may be taken up, if both student and teacher feel that the student is ready. Koans, paradoxical questions that cannot be answered by the discursive intellect, are unique to Zen, and are so powerful that it is not advisable to tackle them without the guidance of a teacher. Shikantaza, or “just sitting” is also practiced, but is generally reserved for seasoned students. Shikantaza is, in a sense, not a practice as such, but the fruit of practice.

How Do I Begin?

For newcomers to Zen, an Introductory Workshop is held in Auckland every other month when Sensei is in New Zealand. Completion of a workshop is a prerequisite for attending sittings at the AZC unless you have already received instruction in Zen meditation and ritual elsewhere. Even if you have practiced elsewhere, a workshop is recommended, as a way of getting a solid introduction to the style of Zen practiced at the AZC.

Click here for upcoming workshop dates and registration information.

If you can’t come to an introductory workshop because you don’t live in Auckland, you may begin a meditation practice using the detailed instructions in The Three Pillars of Zen by Roshi Philip Kapleau.

What happens after the workshop?

After completing the workshop, you are welcome to attend any scheduled activity. The Sunday sitting includes zazen, chanting and a Dharma talk or teisho, followed by tea. Dokusan is offered Monday mornings and Thursday evenings. Tuesday night is recommended for beginners; sittings are shorter and group instruction (tailored to beginners) is offered in the middle round. Sesshin are held regularly, and all major Zen Buddhist holidays are observed, including Vesak (Buddha’s birthday), Kannon Day, Bodhidharma Day, Buddha’s Enlightenment, and others. The rest is up to you – the key is daily zazen practiced with energy, dedication and patience, combined with daily responsiveness.

What is the Rochester Zen Center?

The Rochester Zen Center was founded in 1966 by the late Roshi Philip Kapleau, and is one of the oldest and most respected Zen training temples in the United States. See www.rzc.org for more on the Rochester Zen Center and its programmes.

How is the AZC related to the RZC?

The Auckland Zen Centre is an independent sister centre of the Rochester Zen Center, within the Cloud-Water Sangha.

I am a Christian. Do I have to give up my faith to practice Zen?

No you don't. Zen meditation should help you to pray and worship more effectively. In Europe many Christian monks and nuns practice, and even teach, zazen. Since zazen allows us to directly experience the Reality that underlies all genuine religion, it is not in conflict with other religious faiths.

Is Zen a religion?

Yes and no. It is in the sense that faith is needed - faith in our innate wisdom and compassion. It isn't in that it does not require that we follow a particular belief system. Rather, Zen shows a path that can take us beyond fixed concepts.