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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

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.
Monuments and Memorials Photo Safari
Monuments and Memorials Photo Safari
• What we'll do Learn how to take great pictures BEFORE you go on that expensive trip! And we will teach you how to use your camera IN THE FIELD, not in a classroom! Join our standard Monuments and Memorials workshop, offered Wednesdays and Saturdays, in which the instructor takes you to some of DC’s most popular attractions: White House, Lafayette Park, the Einstein, Lincoln, Korea, and Vietnam Three Servicemen Memorials, and finally to Union Station, where you learn to make all the moving people DISAPPEAR! Remember, it was Confucius who said: "I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do, and I understand." At Washington Photo Safari, we help you "do " and understand! That is why our motto is "See. Click. Learn." This $71 Safari (a 20% discount from the regular $89 price) begins with a 45-minute travel photography orientation, giving you basic tips in composition, F-stops and shutter speeds, portraiture, and interior photography. While you are taking pictures, you receive hands-on guidance on how to make those images even better! Advanced and smartphone photographers will appreciate the instructor’s extensive knowledge of the best camera angles in DC. This is suggested as a preliminary course before taking special safaris. Open to any photographers at any skill level with any camera, phone, or tablet. Transportation from site to site is provided by the instructor. • What to bring camera and all lenses • Important to know travel, architectural, portrait and street photography techniques
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)
#DCF1 Watch Parties!
#DCF1 Watch Parties!
# 🏁 Join Us for [#DCF1](https://www.dcmotorsportcommunity.com/events)! 🏁 DCMC! Join us for our packed house watch parties. Check out website for events and details on locations for a LIVE streaming of the race: [#DCF1 ](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! ## What to Expect: * Live screening of the F1 Sprint Races, Qualis and Grand Prixs * Official Members receive a FREE Drink of the Race at DC locations * Fellow racing enthusiasts and the DC Motorsport Community coming together to share in the excitement! ## RSVP: Please let us know if you can make it, this event is free and open to the public. ## Don’t Miss Out! Bring your friends and family for a day filled with speed, excitement, and fun! We can’t wait to see you there! **[RSVP Here!](https://www.dcmotorsportcommunity.com/events)** *\*RSVPing does not confirm a reservation. Please go to the location's website to learn more about reservations.\** ## Why Your RSVP Matters: Your RSVP isn’t just a formality—it plays a big role in helping us and our host partners plan every detail of our events. From ensuring there’s enough space, food, and drinks, to curating the best possible experience for everyone attending, your early response allows us to deliver something truly special. Thanks for helping us make each race week awesome! ## Official Membership - $100/annual 🏁2025 Pit Pass 🏁Free Sim Racing for Sprint and Qualis at F1 Arcade 🏁One free "drink of the race" at DC locations 🏁Virtual Member Raffles 🏁Early Access to Ticketed Events & Merch Drops 🏁Member Exclusive Events 🏁Membership Referral Program Get a Free DCMC T-Shirt!\* [Check It Out Membership Here!](https://www.dcmotorsportcommunity.com/membership)
Sound Bath Immersion & Reiki
Sound Bath Immersion & Reiki
_This is a sponsored activity I recommend you attend! Join us for a deeply relaxing and nourishing afternoon at Karma Yoga. You must follow this link for registration: https://momence.com/Karma-Yoga/%F0%9F%A5%A3-Sound-Bath-Immersion-%26-Reiki/122785585 This 90-minute experience includes ceremonial cacao, gentle hands-on Reiki offered by Mona, a Reiki Master, and a full sound immersion guided by Mimi. During the session, sound is played both around and on the body, allowing you to fully settle, unwind, and reset. Saturday, Jan 24 4:00–5:30 PM Karma Yoga, Falls Church $55 Reserve your spot using the link provided (membership is not required).
GII Peloton Bike Winter Workouts
GII Peloton Bike Winter Workouts
Hyattsville Tai Chi Meet Up
Hyattsville Tai Chi Meet Up
In the first 30 minutes of class, Qi Gong(5 organ and spirit enlivening)exercises are taught. In the last hour, the class is divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced groups and are taught Lao (old) Yang Tai Chi Chuan.

Soto Zen Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

Zen meditation: Instruction and practice
Zen meditation: Instruction and practice
ZAZEN Since the start of 2024 we've been back to our original location at 2402 Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, for seated meditation Sundays starting at 8:00am. **Please note that this event is in-person only.** It's best to arrive by 7:45am to be ready for the 8:00 start of our zazen. If it's your first visit, try to arrive by 7:35 so we can have time for a brief introduction to the practice. After a half-hour of *zazen* we put away the cushions and open a discussion about zen teachings and life in general, ending by 9:15. You can also join us on weekday mornings, when we have a half-hour virtual zazen session starting at 6:45. For details, visit our website: www.delrayzen.org.
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
Insight Meditation of Northern Virginia
Insight Meditation of Northern Virginia
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).
**ONLINE** Mindfulness Meditation with Hugh Byrne
**ONLINE** Mindfulness Meditation with Hugh Byrne
**NOW ONLINE** The weekly Sunday morning (10:30 am to 12 noon) class begins with a welcome, short reflection on an aspect of the teachings, and includes an arriving meditation (15 minutes) that will often incorporate poems and may end with a reflection or question. The opening meditation is followed by an invitation to each person to share their name and a few words (for example, what is alive for them right now or what their intention is for the class or the day). The sharing has been a powerful support to help welcome new people, get to know each other, and build community/sangha. Following a brief period of mindful stretching/movement, we finish with a longer meditation (25-30 minutes) and final reflections on the teachings, sharing, Q&A, and announcements. Class participants are welcome to stay and engage with other members of the community or adjourn to a neighboring restaurant or coffee shop. This space is inclusive, everyone is welcome, and we invite you to bring with you all aspects of yourself. Learn more here: https://imcw.org/Calendar/Event-Calendar/EventId/3686/e/drop-in-class-livestreamed-19-apr-2020
Sundays! Free Breath and Meditation Workshop
Sundays! Free Breath and Meditation Workshop
So, the world of meditation has a lot to offer, and you have heard it all. This Meetup is about discovering the EXPERIENCE of meditation. Come check us out - volunteer meditation instructors from the Maryland Community will help lead you into the East's best kept relaxation secret, meet like-minded people, and in general have a fun time. As an added bonus, you will also get to experience some of the Art of Living Foundation's breathing programs and get an insight into what makes the Sudharshan Kriya tick. Try saying it 10 times in a row for some tongue twister fun! Anyways, your group lead is likely to be young, fun, a professional who does this on a volunteer basis, might have an accent, smiles a lot (yeah, meditation does that to you)... and at the end of the day, is a meditation instructor par excellence. We are trying to hold meetups across MD but, for now, we will stick to the one free venue we have. Let us know if you want to host one of the meditation Meetups at your venue.. somewhere in MD though!
Learn  Heart based Group Meditation on Sundays  in MD
Learn Heart based Group Meditation on Sundays in MD
Discover the path to stress management, life's tranquility, and self-improvement through Heartfulness Meditation. Embrace relaxation, meditation, and emotional detoxification practices to unlock your best self. Join our free sessions every Sunday at 8 AM and Wednesday at 7 / 7:30 PM at various centers in MD and VA. Experience the profound benefits of these simple yet powerful practices. Commit to a few months of meditation and witness the transformative impact firsthand. We eagerly await your presence at these enlightening sessions.
Tea and Tarot: The Art of Intuitive Blending
Tea and Tarot: The Art of Intuitive Blending
Unearth insights and intentionally blend herbs and teas at our Community Tea & Tarot gathering—an elevated tarot experience that goes far beyond a traditional card pull. Draw from a curated selection of herb-themed oracle and tarot card decks to connect to your query, revealing the essence of a plant ally that will become the base herb for a tea you create. Each card corresponds to one of the 36+ herb jars included on our crafting table, forming an altar to plant allies and spirit guides, creating a container in which we navigate the liminal space between the abstract and the tangible, the spiritual and the embodied, and where we prepare to infuse with intuition. Guided by Teishu Mike Barberesi, certified tea sommelier and Taoist tea witch, the gathering unfolds as ritual: grounding meditation, shared reflection, storytelling, communal insight, and collective meaning-making, culminating in the creation of your own custom tea blend ceremoniously sealed with wax, a dried flower, and your intention so that you can integrate the tea ritual into your practice. Space is limited, so RSVP is required. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you can get situated. FIRST TIMERS: All are welcome, as long as you come with an open/positive mind and respectful heart. No prior experience necessary. You are also welcome to walk our grounds or check out our crystal shop. IMPORTANT DIRECTIONS: The address is 15406 Riding Stable Rd. Property is at end of 1/2 mile long driveway into the woods. You will drive over a small stream. Please be EXTRA MINDFUL to drive slowly (under 10 MPH) so as to not stir up any driveway dust. It is a shared driveway, so it’s important to respect our neighbors. Please do not stop to interact with horses. This is an extended offering to allow us more time to explore tarot divination more deeply. Suggested Donation: $30-40. There’s a bowl by the front door. Put in what feels right. There are also Venmo and Paypal options. With Love and Gratitude

Soto Zen Events Near You

Connect with your local Soto Zen community

The Wonderful World of Zentangled Art
The Wonderful World of Zentangled Art
Come and Learn the Wonderful World of Zentangled Art. No Experienced Needed. Zentangle art offers benefits like stress and anxiety reduction, improved focus, enhanced creativity, and a sense of calm through meditative, repetitive pattern drawing, acting as a form of mindfulness and art therapy for all ages and skill levels. It boosts self-confidence, cognitive function, and motor skills while providing a healthy distraction, helping individuals achieve a "zen-like" state and find accomplishment in simple artistic creation. I will be leading you into this new form of relaxing Art. Please bring, a thin and thick sharpie black marker, a blank pen. Guests must be over 50 to attend. Seating is first come first serve. Food and Drink menu available Metro friendly and FREE Easy Parking IF the weather is bad I will reschedule this event. This is a FREE Class but donations are always appreciated. Great way to meet others who enjoy learning about art. RSVP today!
Zen Meditation Sunday Evenings in Rockville
Zen Meditation Sunday Evenings in Rockville
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 On **first Sundays**, we offer a relaxed meet-and-greet with tea, discussion, and light snacks. Newcomers are especially encouraged to attend—teachers are available for orientation and basic instruction. **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.
Tuesday Zen Meditation Afternoons
Tuesday Zen Meditation Afternoons
Join us for a quiet, grounded Tuesday afternoon practice in community. We typically gather with 4–10 practitioners for seated and walking Zen meditation or practice instruction, along with brief Dharma instruction. **Schedule** * Please arrive by **4:30 pm** to settle in * First bell rings at **4:45 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 at **6:00 pm** with tea and informal conversation, sometimes followed by a simple soup dinner **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. Our guiding teacher is authorized in the Soto Zen lineage and has practiced Zen for 25 years. If you have questions or are attending for the first time, feel free to reach out.
Meditation Session
Meditation Session
Join us every Thursday for Meditation and Chanting. No prior experience required, and all are welcome.
Zen Meditation Sunday Evenings in Rockville
Zen Meditation Sunday Evenings in Rockville
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 On **first Sundays**, we offer a relaxed meet-and-greet with tea, discussion, and light snacks. Newcomers are especially encouraged to attend—teachers are available for orientation and basic instruction. **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 Meditation Sunday Evenings in Rockville
Zen Meditation Sunday Evenings in Rockville
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 On **first Sundays**, we offer a relaxed meet-and-greet with tea, discussion, and light snacks. Newcomers are especially encouraged to attend—teachers are available for orientation and basic instruction. **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.
Meditation Session
Meditation Session
Join us every Thursday for Meditation and Chanting. No prior experience required, and all are welcome.