About us
Welcome to Joyful Mind Zendo, a Zen meditation community in Rockville, Maryland.
Whether you’re trying meditation for the first time or deepening an established practice, join us to sit, learn, and connect with others. We have between 10-15 people joining regularly for the past 3 years.
Our practice brings together seated meditation (zazen), walking meditation (kinhin), Zen teachings, and opportunities for conversation and individual teacher guidance. Chairs and cushions are available, and beginners can receive instruction by arriving 15 minutes early.
Practice is offered completely free. Donations are welcome if you're able but not required.
Our guiding teacher
Our community is guided by Martine Taikai Palmiter, Sensei, an authorized Zen teacher in the White Plum Asanga lineage. She began studying Zen in 2001 and received Dharma transmission in 2019. A former educator, lifelong yoga practitioner, community gardener, and grandmother, she brings her experience of everyday life to the practice of Zen.
What we offer
- Zen instruction in-person
- Sunday Zen practice: 7:00–8:30 p.m., followed by tea and conversation (Zendo downstairs entrance)
- Monday Mindfulness practice: 4:30–5:30 p.m. (front door entrance-sanctuary)
- Thursday Zen practice: 7:00–8:00 p.m. (Zendo downstairs entrance)
- Sunday afternoon 1/2 day Zen retreats: 1:30-6:30 pm monthly
- Text Study online
Where we meet
Our Zendo is on the lower level of Rockville United Church, 355 Linthicum Drive, Rockville, Maryland. For Zen practice, enter through the doors beside the rear parking lot and look for the welcome signs.
Come with your questions, your curiosity, and a willingness to practice together.
Website: www.joyfulmindzendo.org
Calendar: Upcoming events
Reach us: Information@joyfulmindzendo.org
Featured event
Intro to Zen meditation class (in person)
Curious about Zen meditation?
Join us for a 20-minute introduction to Zen, offered on Sunday from 6:30–6:50 p.m.
Open to all faiths or none, this welcoming session introduces seated meditation, posture, and what to expect during our community practice. There will be time for questions and guidance to help you get started.
No experience is necessary. Wear comfortable clothes. Cushions, benches, and chairs are provided.
You’re welcome to stay for our Sunday Zen practice at 7:00 p.m.
Please arrive a few minutes early so we can begin on time.
Location
Joyful Mind Zendo
Lower level of Rockville United Church
355 Linthicum Drive, Rockville, MD
Enter through the doors beside the rear parking lot and look for the welcome signs.
View parking guide
Visit Joyful Mind Zen Community
We look forward to welcoming you!
Upcoming events
77
Thursday night meditation
Rockville United Church, 355 Linthicum St, Rockville, MD 20851, USA, Rockville, MD, USJoin us Thursdays from 7:00–8:00 p.m. for an hour of community Zen practice, including silent sitting, walking meditation, and sharing the Dharma.
No experience is necessary.
Wear comfortable clothes. We provide cushions, benches, and chairs so you can find a comfortable seat.What to expect
- 25 minutes of silent seated meditation
- 5 minutes of walking meditation
- Another 25 minutes of silent seated meditation
- Please be seated by 6:55 p.m. so we can begin together on time.
New visitors
If you’re new and would like brief instruction, arrive 15 minutes early.Location
Joyful Mind Zendo
Lower level of Rockville United Church
355 Linthicum Drive, Rockville, MDEnter through the doors beside the rear parking lot and look for the welcome signs.
View parking guide
Visit Joyful Mind Zen CommunityWe look forward to practicing with you!
3 attendees
Sunday evening meditation
Rockville United Church, 355 Linthicum St, Rockville, MD 20851, USA, Rockville, MD, USJoin us Sundays from 7:00–8:30 p.m. for community Zen practice, including silent sitting, walking meditation, and sharing the Dharma.
No experience is necessary.
Wear comfortable clothes. We provide cushions, benches, and chairs so you can find a comfortable seat.What to expect
- 25 minutes of silent seated meditation
- 5 minutes of walking meditation
- 25 minutes of silent seated meditation
- 5 minutes of walking meditation
- 25 minutes of silent seated meditation or Dharma talk/sharing
- Coffee, tea and snacks to meet the community
- Please be seated by 6:55 p.m. so we can begin together on time.
New visitors
If you’re new and would like brief instruction, arrive 25 minutes early. If you can only stay for one or two periods, please let us know and leave quietly at the breaks.Location
Joyful Mind Zendo
Lower level of Rockville United Church
355 Linthicum Drive, Rockville, MDEnter through the doors beside the rear parking lot and look for the welcome signs.
View parking guide
Visit Joyful Mind Zen CommunityWe look forward to practicing with you!
5 attendeesThursday night meditation
Rockville United Church, 355 Linthicum St, Rockville, MD 20851, USA, Rockville, MD, USJoin us Thursdays from 7:00–8:00 p.m. for an hour of community Zen practice, including silent sitting, walking meditation, and sharing the Dharma.
No experience is necessary.
Wear comfortable clothes. We provide cushions, benches, and chairs so you can find a comfortable seat.What to expect
- 25 minutes of silent seated meditation
- 5 minutes of walking meditation
- Another 25 minutes of silent seated meditation
- Please be seated by 6:55 p.m. so we can begin together on time.
New visitors
If you’re new and would like brief instruction, arrive 15 minutes early.Location
Joyful Mind Zendo
Lower level of Rockville United Church
355 Linthicum Drive, Rockville, MDEnter through the doors beside the rear parking lot and look for the welcome signs.
View parking guide
Visit Joyful Mind Zen CommunityWe look forward to practicing with you!
4 attendeesSunday evening meditation
Rockville United Church, 355 Linthicum St, Rockville, MD 20851, USA, Rockville, MD, USJoin us Sundays from 7:00–8:30 p.m. for community Zen practice, including silent sitting, walking meditation, and sharing the Dharma.
No experience is necessary.
Wear comfortable clothes. We provide cushions, benches, and chairs so you can find a comfortable seat.What to expect
- 25 minutes of silent seated meditation
- 5 minutes of walking meditation
- 25 minutes of silent seated meditation
- 5 minutes of walking meditation
- 25 minutes of silent seated meditation or Dharma talk/sharing
- Coffee, tea and snacks to meet the community
- Please be seated by 6:55 p.m. so we can begin together on time.
New visitors
If you’re new and would like brief instruction, arrive 25 minutes early. If you can only stay for one or two periods, please let us know and leave quietly at the breaks.Location
Joyful Mind Zendo
Lower level of Rockville United Church
355 Linthicum Drive, Rockville, MDEnter through the doors beside the rear parking lot and look for the welcome signs.
View parking guide
Visit Joyful Mind Zen CommunityWe look forward to practicing with you!
1 attendee
Past events
2
