Zen Meditation Boston | Somerville | Everyday Zen & Doing the Dishes

Ordinary Mind Is the Way | Everyday Zen & Doing the Dishes

Before enlightenment, do the dishes.
After enlightenment, do the dishes.

In this Zen Dharma Talk, Zen Master Sebastian Rizzon explores one of the most misunderstood teachings in Zen Buddhism: awakening is not an escape from ordinary life—it is complete engagement with it.

Drawing on classic Zen teachings attributed to Layman Pang, Mazu Daoyi, and Zhaozhou Congshen, this talk clarifies why Zen does not offer shortcuts, special states, or spiritual bypassing.

Instead, Zen points directly to everyday mind—washing dishes, breathing, working, listening—done with full attention and an undivided mind.
In this Dharma Talk, you’ll experience:

• A guided mind–heart breathing meditation for grounding and clarity
• A mantra meditation using Kwanseum Bosal to stabilize attention
• A clear explanation of why Zen enlightenment is ordinary, not mystical
• The Three Instructions for Zen practice that can be applied immediately
• How to turn daily activities into moving meditation
• Why Zen avoids rulebooks, rigid advice, and spiritual shortcuts

This talk is for anyone interested in:

• Zen practice and meditation
• Mindfulness in daily life
• Reducing stress and mental distraction
• Understanding enlightenment beyond concepts
• Practicing clarity, compassion, and focus in real life

Zen doesn’t ask you to believe anything.
It asks you to test it for yourself.

All are welcome to attend, regardless of prior experience or background. While the class is free of charge, donations are greatly appreciated to support the Zen Art Center's mission to cultivate inner peace and harmony in the world. Your generosity enables us to expand our schedule of offerings and continue serving our community.

Studio 5R is on the 1st floor, call 781-530-0753 if the front door is locked.

You can also attend remotely via livestream on YouTube @zenartcenter:
Zen Art Center - YouTube