Welcome Visitors and Newcomers ........ The Charlotte Zen Meditation Society, in existence since about 1990, is a group of Soto Zen lay practitioners who gather weekly for sitting and walking meditation, readings, and discussion of the practice of Zen as originally brought from China to Japan, developed, and taught by Eihei Dogen Zenji in the Thirteenth Century C.E. ... Soto Zen is the predominant form of Zen practice in the U.S. today. You are welcome to join us every Sunday night for sitting (Zazen) and walking (Kinhin) meditation practice followed by a Dharma reading and group discussion.. See the next scheduled meetup for details of this Sunday night's sitting. You are encouraged to read this message board post.  There is lots of good information at these pages regarding the practice of Soto Zen and our particular style of meditation.

People of all beliefs are welcome. If you are interested in learning about our practice here are some links:

What are Zen and Zazen about?

What is the foundation of Buddhism?

Here are the common sitting positions. You want to sit upright in a stable, alert, and comfortable position. You may use a cushion or a chair. There may be some discomfort with sitting, but sitting should never be painful. If it becomes painful it is important to change position. With practice you will find a position that is comfortable for you. If leg numbness occurs take care when beginning to walk so you do not trip. I recommend that beginners use a chair.

If you are new to the group we would appreciate if you take this short poll after attending your first event. We use this feedback to improve the group.

Our address is: Harmony House 726 East Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28203 (Corner of Lennox Ave. and East Blvd. - park and enter at rear of building - take stairs to the very top floor where the zendo is located) Reverend Teijo Munnich, Disciple and Dharma-Heir of Dainin Katagiri Roshi, is Dharma Teacher for the Charlotte Zen Meditation Society, as well as Founder and Dharma Teacher for Zen Center of Asheville, and Founder and Abbess of Great Tree Zen Temple in Alexander, NC. ( website - http://www.greattreetemple.org/index.html ) Rev. Munnich received formal training at Hokyoji (Catching the Moon Zen Mountain Center) in Minnesota, at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center in California, and at Hosshinji in Obama, Japan. Teijo lives near Asheville, visits us occasionally and is typically not able to be present at our Sunday night sittings due to considerations of time and distance.