All are welcome to participate in orientations to Zen Buddhist practice. There will be instructions about sitting and walking meditation; as well as some information about Zen philosophy and rituals. Please wear loose dark, preferably black, loose clothing.

There is a cost of $20, which entitles you to the Newcomers Orientation as well as attendance at either the next Beginners night or Dharma Café (which are held on alternate months). The orientation will be conducted by a senior Zen student who will give you information about our practice, rituals and philosophy. This is an essential step before you sit with the broader sangha. The Beginners night and Dharma Café (in the next week) are opportunities to ask questions and enter into a discussion about Zen practice in daily life, with Sydney Zen Centre members and a teacher. The combination of the Newcomers Orientation and the Beginners Night/Dharma Café is a very relaxed way to start your Zen journey.

Orientations take place only by appointment, so if you wish to attend an orientation you will need to email the person listed as the contact for the date you would like to attend below. Once you have booked please confirm by email a few days before the orientation. You don’t need to book in now to a Beginners night or Dharma Café  – the person orientating you will make the booking for you. Looking forward to meeting you …

2019 ORIENTATION SCHEDULE

DECEMBER
Orientation: Tuesday 3rd
Contact Alex Budlevskis to book: alexbudlevskis@gmail.com
Dharma Cafe: Monday 9th & Wednesday 11th

2020 ORIENTATION SCHEDULE

JANUARY
There isn’t an orientation this month

FEBRUARY
Orientation: Thursday 6th
Contact Janet Selby
Dharma Cafe: Monday 10th & Wednesday 12th

MARCH
Orientation:  Tuesday 3rd 
Contact Stephen Crump to book
Beginners’ Night: Tuesday 10th with Maggie Gluek, roshi

APRIL
Orientation: Thursday 2nd 
Contact Jill Steverson to book
Dharma Cafe: Monday 6th & Wednesday 8th

MAY
Orientation: Thursday 7th
Contact Alex Budlevskis to book
Beginners’ Night: Thursday 14th with Gillian Coote, roshi

JUNE
Orientation: Thursday 4th
Contact Sue Bidwell
Dharma Cafe: Monday 8th & Wednesday 10th

JULY
Orientation: Thursday 2nd
Contact Kim Bagot to book 
Beginners’ Night: Thursday 9th with Jane Andino, apprentice teacher

AUGUST
Orientation: Thursday 30th July
Contact Kerry Stewart to book
Dharma Cafe: Monday 3rd & Wednesday 5th

SEPTEMBER
Orientation: Thursday 3rd
Contact  Jill Steverson
Beginners’ Night: Thursday 10th with

OCTOBER
Orientation: Thursday 8th
Contact Stephen Crump to book
Dharma Cafe: Monday 12th & Wednesday 14th

NOVEMBER
Orientation: Thursday 5th
Contact Brendon Stewart to book
Beginners’ Night: Thursday 12th with

DECEMBER
Orientation: Thursday 3rd
Contact Kim Bagot to book
Dharma Cafe:  Wednesday 9th