new to zen?

“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few.” – Shunryu Suzuki Roshi
 

We deeply value the flexibility of the beginner’s mind in Zen practice. There is a Zen saying, “Not knowing is most intimate,” and in this spirit we welcome all beginning practitioners. If you are new to Zen or meditation in general and are curious about a supportive way to enter the practice, here are a few suggestions.


Introductory Classes

Brooklyn Zen Center offers introductory classes regularly. Please check our class page for more information. Our two main introductory classes are Meditation in Everyday Life and Introduction to Zen.


Suggested Reading

Reading can’t take the place of a sitting practice but can be a wonderful complement to it. There are several excellent books out there for the beginning practitioner. Here are some suggestions.