Monthly Second Saturday Zazen

The simple act of sitting in one place and not DOING something has been a gateway for liberation for millennia. There is a reason it “works”. Yet it is the willingness to show up and simply sit that transforms us. The reasons are not relevant. Neither is reading about it, thinking about it, or talking about it. To access this ancient avenue, one must experience it. In these morning meditation sessions, you will have an opportunity to experience an extended meditation in a supportive environment.

We will sit as a group and the day will be structured around periods of sitting meditation and walking meditation. There will be some guided meditation. It will be mostly silent sitting and walking meditation. This is a great opportunity for beginners who want to experience longer meditation periods, as well as experienced meditators. There will time before (and during) the session on sitting posture and comfort for those who would like instruction.  While all three leaders practice zen meditation, the structure will be somewhat modified.

If you have a meditation cushion or bench you like to use, please bring it. There will be chairs available but limited options if you want to sit on the floor.

Workshop Leader: Community Led
Each month may be facilitated by one of three similarly styled practitioners: Tammy Kaousias, Todd Steed, or Meghan Kogen Dieter.  Tammy Kaousias  seriously turned to meditation and yoga methods 15 years ago to help manage the stresses inherent in the legal profession and in caring for elderly parents at the same time.  She practices in the style of Pacific Zen Institute which is largely koan meditation. Todd Steed is a radio host, musician and so much more. He routinely sits with a group that is in the lineage of Soto Zen (Dew Drop Sangha under the umbrella of Hazy Moon) and he also practices koan meditation. Meghan is a newcomer to Knoxville, a mother to a 7 year old, and has an over 15 year zen practice in the Soto Zen style (Hazy Moon).