Origin of zenzoom

Who am I?

My name is Dōsen. A lay nun, I live far from a temple, but I am committed to the zen path and regularly participate in retreats (sesshin).

Practicing during the pandemic...

During the 2020s pandemic, like many others, I practiced primarily at home. To maintain collective practice, online zazen sessions emerged. When the pandemic eased, we were able to return to practicing in a zendō or a temple—an incomparable experience!

...and then

After the pandemic, I moved from the city to the mountains. Far from practice centers, I started searching for online zazen sessions that could fit my schedule. The options had multiplied!

I met people equally delighted to practice together remotely. We thought the fruits of my research could benefit others, and the idea of zenzoom was born. This directory showcases the richness and diversity of the available offerings and activates the connections within the great community (sangha).

Of course, online zazen does not replace practice in a dedicated space, but it connects the broader zen community across time and space.

Free online zazen

In zenzoom’s schedule, only sites offering free sessions are listed (donations to the centers are always welcome!). There may be schedule changes due to special events. I do my best to keep the calendar updated. If you would like to include your online zazen sessions in zenzoom, contact me.

Thank you all for participating in zenzoom: your comments, suggestions, and encouragement are invaluable!

...and a special thanks to my favorite coder!