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Soto Zen

Meet other local people interested in Soto Zen: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Soto Zen group.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out soto zen events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the soto zen events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

Absolutely! Find soto zen events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.

Soto Zen Events Today

Join in-person Soto Zen events happening right now

Death & Dying: A Buddhist Perspective
Death & Dying: A Buddhist Perspective
Buddha’s teachings offer profound insight into the meaning and process of death and dying, helping us to develop an awareness of our own mortality in a way that enriches and transforms our life. Though gaining familiarity with certain special ways of thinking, we can live a meaningful life and meet our death joyfully as we transition into our next life with grace, clarity, faith and fearlessness. You can register at the door or register online: https://meditation-dc.org/event/death-dying-a-buddhist-perspective/ Cost: Whole Weekend: $50 ($25 financial hardship) Friday Night Lecture: $12 Saturday only: $30 Sunday only: $12 Event Schedule: Session 1: 10am - 11:15am Session 2: 12pm - 1pm Lunch: 1pm-2:15pm Session 3: 2:15pm-3:30pm with Q & A
DCMC Events!
DCMC Events!
# **Join Us for Motorsport Fun!** The official home of #DCF1 #DCMotoGP #DCIndyCar #DCDRIFT #DCIMSA #NASCAR ​ We’re a grassroots collective of motorsport enthusiasts, built from the ground up. Every event, every connection, every unforgettable moment happens because of YOU. Our events are open to the public and free to attend unless noted as ticketed or exclusive to members. Official members enjoy special perks and VIP access. **[Check out all of our events here!](https://www.dcmotorsportcommunity.com/events)** Please don't forget to RSVP! It helps us and our partners out significantly. Thank you for being part of the movement! **[RSVP Here!](https://www.dcmotorsportcommunity.com/events)** **Official DCMC Membership** More than just a membership. It’s joining a movement. **🏁The DCMC Grid** — $100 for 12 months. This isn’t just a membership. It’s joining a movement. ✔ Official 2026 Pit Pass + Member Kit ✔ Member-only events & raffles ✔ Free “Drink of the Race” (select locations) ✔ Early & VIP access ✔ Partner perks & discounts And new for 2026… **🚨The DCMC Rookies (Ages 6–12)** Building the next generation of motorsport culture through sim racing, education & experiences Powered by Sim Racing Dads. Grassroots. Inclusive. Built from the ground up. If you’ve been coming to events… it’s time to get on the grid. Join the movement today. **[Check Out The Membership Here!](https://www.dcmotorsportcommunity.com/pricing-plans/list)**
Weekly Meditation Practices and Dharma Study
Weekly Meditation Practices and Dharma Study
Join us for all or part of our weekly program to practice and study the dharma together - In-Person or Online. All experience levels welcome. Schedule was: 10:00 am - 10:30 am Chenrezig practice\* 10:30 am - 10:45 am Break 10:45 am - 11:30 am Silent Meditation *Two 20min sessions with a 5min break* 11:30 am - 12:00 pm Study & Discussion \*Chenrezig practice is led via video by HH the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa. The practice is recited in Tibetan with English subtitles. For text and information go to: [https://www.kibi-edu.org/news/chenrezig-sadhana-now-available-for-download/](https://www.kibi-edu.org/news/chenrezig-sadhana-now-available-for-download/) **In-Person** Fellowship Hall at the [Unitarian Universalist Congregation](https://www.uucr.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExa0ZQVFBCdmJ3MzNOWEJoRwEeSoPXSHNPf_pRRTPn-UbSRXubgBfGor06l14v9_Z1cMfvxShmdngQDTcV-ao_aem_4x2F8VhluNx_5QC2unwCkw) of Rockville (UUCR), 100 Welsh Park Drive, Rockville, MD 20850 ([[https://www.uucr.org/](https://www.uucr.org/) **Online via Zoom** (for Zoom information, click on the relevant tile for that Sunday’s meeting): [https://bodhipath.org/centers/dc/#events](https://bodhipath.org/centers/dc/#events) BodhiPath Washington DC is supported by donation.
Hike Trails in NW DC to St. Sophia Greek Festival
Hike Trails in NW DC to St. Sophia Greek Festival
Walk about 6+ miles on a variety of trails and some streets in NW DC to discover where SCPRO helped save a park, a trail that may be threatened by construction, the place where the UN was started, a Memorial to a Lebanese poet, and a lively Greek Festival at St. Sophia Cathedral where the hike will officially end – about a mile from the trailhead. There will be some elevation changes and one stream crossing. More information about the Festival here: [https://www.dcgreeks.com/event_display.asp?EventID=2026051502](https://www.dcgreeks.com/event_display.asp?EventID=2026051502). Wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear, bring water, sunscreen and bug repellent and money to purchase some wonderful food at the Festival (and to give a $2 cash voluntary donation to the local Sierra Club). A positive attitude is also recommended!
Young Adult Sangha Monthly Meeting
Young Adult Sangha Monthly Meeting
Our next monthly meeting. Class flow includes introductions, a guided meditation, open discussion, an activity related to practice, announcements, and closing sit.
Free Guided Meditation - for Beginners
Free Guided Meditation - for Beginners
**Sahaja Yoga teaches a unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge.** We follow a format of continuous integration of topics in our classes so that no two classes are same and so we are able to accommodate new meditators along with experienced ones. **Through Sahaja Yoga, you can achieve a state of meditation known as thoughtless awareness. In this state, you experience and enjoy the present moment without any distractions from the past or future. Your consciousness works in flow with your inner energy ([Kundalini](https://us.sahajayoga.org/the-kundalini/)).** Some of the things we go over with in our programs are how to awaken your dormant Mother energy called Kundalini. Meditation with Mantras using power of very basic mantra to bring peace within! Meditation with music, what are Chakras, how to take affirmations, what is Thoughtless Awareness and how to find the state of your Chakras. *Meditation sessions led by an experienced fellow meditator.* **Please join us to awaken the dormant energy within you and re-balance your emotional, physical and mental state of being!** **Sahaja Yoga was founded in 1970 by Shri Mataji**. She envisioned a world where people would be transformed, and lead more balanced lives. She has worked tirelessly to help people meditate and achieve greater spiritual heights through this meditation. **Cost**: Free **Parking**: Paid parking in garages and on street. Garage-40 Cordell-St.Elmo Garage, Saint Elmo Avenue, Bethesda, MD is 2 mins walking distance from meditation center. **How to reach us?** We are at **Sahaja Yoga Meditation Center** on **4901 Saint Elmo Avenue** **Bethesda, MD 20814**, *walking distance from Bethesda Metro Center* **You can learn more about this meditation** from [us.sahajayoga.org](https://us.sahajayoga.org)

Soto Zen Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

Zen Meditation Sunday Evenings
Zen Meditation Sunday Evenings
Join us for a quiet, grounded Sunday evening practice in community. We typically gather with 6–12 practitioners for seated and walking meditation, along with a short Dharma talk or practice instruction offered by one of our teachers or senior students. Our guiding teacher is authorized in the Soto Zen lineage and has practiced Zen for 25 years. **Schedule** * Please arrive by **6:45 pm** to settle in * First bell rings at **7 pm sharp** *(If you arrive late, please wait in the hallway until the next bell.* *Someone will greet you)* * 25 minutes of silent sitting * 5 minutes of walking meditation * 25 minutes of sitting with Dharma talk * 5 minutes of walking meditation * 15 minutes of closing meditation or chanting * We close with tea and informal conversation Our Zendo offers an environment conducive to communal practice. Each person feels the silent encouragement of others. Roles are clear and everyone follows the formal structure, thereby letting go of “preferential mind” or “complaining mind.” Silence is essential to support this meditative inquiry. **Experience** No prior experience is necessary. You may sit on a cushion or a chair. Whether you are new to meditation or have an established practice, you are welcome here. It is offered free of charge. **Location** Our Zendo is located in the **back** of Rockville United Church: [355 Linthicum St, Rockville, MD](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AABDrCx3sHvBPVBf9) After parking in front, please do **not** enter through the main church doors. Walk slightly downhill, then take the small rightward path up to the rear entrance. Look for posted signs. We meet on the lower level, past the double wooden doors. Guiding map: [https://postimg.cc/nMWsMnQy](https://postimg.cc/nMWsMnQy) **Who we are** [Joyful Mind Zen Community ](https://www.joyfulmindzendo.org/)offers Zen practice, teaching, sitting, and walking meditation on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays in our Rockville Zendo. If you have questions or are attending for the first time, feel free to reach out.
Zen Chat and Sit Meditation at 1801 Robert Fulton Dr
Zen Chat and Sit Meditation at 1801 Robert Fulton Dr
This is an **event at 1801 Robert Fulton Dr., Reston, VA 20191** (All participants must have RSVP'd). We continue exploring the foundational Buddhist sutra: the **Heart Sutra**. This the shortest sutra but the most fundamental. Our meeting schedule will be as follows: * **40 minutes:** Sitting meditation * **5 minutes:** Break * **45 minutes:** Group discussion of the Heart Sutra. During the sitting meditation session, we will provide you with a non-roller chair (or feel free to bring in your own meditation pad/pillow). If you are a first timer, detailed instructions will be provided when you are here at 1801 Robert Fulton Drive).
Sunday Morning Meditation
Sunday Morning Meditation
**Weekly Sunday Meditation Classes with Sanema Naomi Hardrick** * Each class begins with **guided breathing meditation**, to help settle the mind, let go of distractions and cultivate inner peace. The meditation is followed by a brief, traditional Buddhist prayer, called *Liberating Prayer.* * The Teacher will then give a **practical teaching** based on the topic of the class series and explain how we can integrate Buddha’s timeless wisdom into our busy daily lives. * The teaching is then followed by a **guided meditation** to help us mix our mind with the teaching and take it to heart. * Time permitting, at the end of the meditation class we spend a few minutes in **group discussion** and the teacher will take any **questions** that the class might have about the topic. **COST:** Standard: $12 \| Financial Hardship: $6 \| [Register](https://meditation-dc.org/sunday-mornings/) \*\*[Member Pricing: ](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/)\*\*FREE & Available as an online class. **LOCATION** Kadampa Meditation Center DC 1200 Canal St\. SW \| Washington\, DC 20024 **Metro Stop:** Waterfront or Navy Yard
Photograph Speed & Style Festival - Sun. May 17
Photograph Speed & Style Festival - Sun. May 17
**For Information Only, as I may or may not attend.** The Seventh Annual Old Town Festival of Speed & Style Exotic Cars, Motorcycles, Fashion, and Fun! Lower Blocks of King Street and Market Square in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia [https://festivalofspeedandstyle.com/home](https://festivalofspeedandstyle.com/home) Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.
SRF is offering ONLINE MEDITATIONS in today's climate
SRF is offering ONLINE MEDITATIONS in today's climate
PLEASE CHECK THE ONLINE MEDITATION CALENDAR FOR DETAILS OF THESE MORE THAN 50 SERVICES A WEEK- https://onlinemeditation.yogananda.org/calendar/
Indigo & Ivory: Learn the Meditative Art of Japanese Sashiko Mending
Indigo & Ivory: Learn the Meditative Art of Japanese Sashiko Mending
✨🧵 Join us for an immersive workshop on **Sashiko**, the Japanese folk craft of "little stabs." We’ll move beyond basic repairs to create beautiful, geometric patterns on indigo cloth. 👉**Registration** is **Online Only** at: https://portal.nova-labs.org/event-6658062 ***(No drop-ins accepted.)*** 🕒**When:** Sunday, 17 May 2026, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM 📍**Where:** Nova Labs, 3850 Jermantown Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 * **Perfect for:** Beginners and seasoned sewists alike. * **The Perk:** You get a full **Sashiko Starter Kit** to keep! * **What to bring:** That denim jacket or tote bag, etc. you’ve been meaning to fix (or practice on the fabric provided.). Let’s grab a coffee, pick up a needle, and create something sustainable together. ⚠️ HOW TO REGISTER An RSVP on Meetup does NOT reserve your spot. Please register via the link below to attend. No walk-ins or drop-ins accepted. 👉**Registration** is **Online Only** at: https://portal.nova-labs.org/event-6658062
Insight Meditation of Northern Virginia
Insight Meditation of Northern Virginia
**LOCATION CHANGE as of APRIL 1, 2026:** **Body Grace has moved to 133 Maple Avenue East, 3rd Floor, above the Bear Branch Tavern.** Whether you're new to Insight meditation or an advanced practitioner looking for like-minded people to sit with, you're welcome to join us at our Sunday morning drop-in group, sponsored by the Insight Meditation Community of Washington. Insight meditation cultivates our natural wisdom and compassion. Meditation practice develops concentration, which allows us to calm and steady the mind. This class includes a 30-minute lightly-guided meditation, followed by a short talk and time for questions and discussion. The size of the group usually runs somewhere between 25-40 people in-person and between 12-25 online. Chairs are provided, or you may bring a sitting cushion or bench. You may also use the blankets and bolsters offered by the yoga studio. **We offer both in-person and online attendance.** To learn more about our topics and teachers, view our videos or **get the Zoom link**, visit our [class page](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=735&utm_source=MeetUp&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=vienna-drop-in).

Soto Zen Events Near You

Connect with your local Soto Zen community

Mindfulness Walks
Mindfulness Walks
Join me for a small, mindful photography walk in nature. (**NOTE Time is 9:00 AM EST(Meetup is having technical Issue))** This is a slow, intentional gathering — not focused on fitness or perfect photography — but on simply pausing, observing, and being present. We’ll walk at a gentle pace, with moments of quiet, and a few light prompts to help you notice details you might normally miss. 📷 You don’t need any photography experience — a phone camera is enough. This is also not a business networking event. It’s a calm space to connect with nature and, if it feels natural, with like-minded people. 🌿 What to expect: • A slow-paced, relaxed walk • Moments of silence and observation • Simple reflection prompts 📍 Location: [ Red Trabue Nature Preserve] ⏱ Duration: \~90 minutes
Libera Animae - Freeing the Soul
Libera Animae - Freeing the Soul
Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.
Monday Night Meditation Practice
Monday Night Meditation Practice
Join us on Monday nights at 7pm for two 25 minute quiet meditations, with one short walking meditation in between. There will be a brief and informal conversation afterward. Stay for as long as you like and feel free to bring or share whatever is on your mind. All Zen Center events are also available via Zoom at bit.ly/IndyZen.
Sunday Brunch
Sunday Brunch
Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!
Wednesday Night Meditation Practice
Wednesday Night Meditation Practice
Join us on Wednesday nights at 7pm for two 25 minute quiet meditations, with one short walking meditation in between. There will be a brief and informal conversation afterward. Stay for as long as you like and feel free to bring or share whatever is on your mind. All Zen Center events are also available via Zoom at bit.ly/IndyZen.
COLUMBUS SPIRITUALITY MEETUP
COLUMBUS SPIRITUALITY MEETUP
We are excited to host Guided Meditations on Sundays at 6 pm in our Ashram/Gallery/Home! !! !! Everyone wants to know what kind of God we worship and what kind of meditation we do. We worship the GOD that LOVES US! We understand that god is an energy and it lives in us as us. Our meditations guide others to actually experience that energy! xoxo We don't just talk about peace, love and affection, we experience it :) Also we are a home not a business, so we enjoy building community one friend at a time. We always build in time for people to mingle & develop friendships! xoxo Much Love, Frank Tennyson Namaste, Frank Tennyson http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/f/9/9/600_447824953.jpeg
Fundamentals: by do Jung Ishu/ the art of fighting
Fundamentals: by do Jung Ishu/ the art of fighting
We are a real world Martial arts group. \ Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \ Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \ We have been around a while. \ Every week we get together and work technical skills and full contact spar. \ Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from street fights to the ring and some still compete in cage fighting. \ If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \ We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 Outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295 Saturday 1:30pm Wednesday 5:45pm From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \ Wear workout clothes. \ Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \ WE HAVE GLOVES. \ $10 per class $5 per class if you are wearing a club shirt Club shirts are $25 Hope to see you soon. \ let me know if you have any questions :)