The first step in becoming a member of the Rochester Zen Center is attending an introductory workshop. At the conclusion of the workshop, information on membership will be distributed to anyone interested; in addition, workshop participants are invited to attend the next morning’s (Sunday) sitting and teisho (talk) by Roshi Kjolhede.

Tuesday night sittings at the Zen Center are oriented towards beginning practitioners. The rounds of sitting are shorter than usual, and the evening concludes with refreshments to provide a time to relax and meet other Zen Center members. Workshop participants who are interested in attending a Tuesday evening sitting may call the Zen Center’s receptionist to arrange for an orientation at 6:00 p.m. prior to the sitting.

If you are ready to join the Zen Center and you have attended a workshop, you may submit a membership application at any time. Members are expected to make an annual pledge to the Zen Center.

Once you are a member of the Zen Center, you may receive dokusan (private instruction) from Roshi Kjolhede and daisan (informal instruction) from Roshi’s senior students. You’re welcome to participate in the daily schedule of sittings at both the Arnold Park and Chapin Mill zendos and to become as fully engaged as you wish with all Zen Center activities. Zen Center membership includes a subscription to Zen Bow, the Center’s quarterly publication, and Zen Arrow, its online newsletter.