Zen Center of Denver

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Denver Armstrong

vía Google

I contacted the center beforehand explaining I had extensive meditation and mindfulness experience and wanted to find a location to practice mindfulness. I expressed that I was unfamiliar with this framework that the school practiced, however I was interested in learning and partaking in an evening zazen with their guidance. They oriented me in-person on participating in zazen and kinhin and expressed that if I was unsure on what to do, just to follow others and it would be easy to figure out, which I did. During the close remarks of the evening zazen, there was a public comment about “we [teachers] need to better at explaining” that there should be no spacing during zazen and kinhin, and had referenced to where I was oriented. Despite entering with people to both my left and right, the only two empty spaces in the temple were to my left and right of me now at the end of the session. As a first-time visitor who followed the instructions given and followed those around me to the best of my ability, being indirectly called out in front of ~50 people rather than receiving direct, kind guidance felt unwelcoming. The interpersonal communication of leadership, especially with those who are orienting themselves for their first time, could be much better, especially for a practice centered on mindfulness and compassion.

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Erick “Mustachio” Prieto

vía Google

I came to the Zen center 10 years ago with a great grief that was heavy in my heart. Little did I know that I had traumas that I had not realized. Zazen, the meditation, let the silt of my heart settle and let me feel this that was trapped within my heart for so many years. The compassion I feel with the Sangha is amazing, something that feels as though it is impossible. Yet I found support and recovery and I have the Zen Center to thank. Thank you, so much.

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Lee Baker

vía Google

I couldn’t be more grateful to be a part of such a respectful, reverent, and generous community like the Zen Center of Denver. The teachers have done a wonderful job of adhering to traditions and creating a tender culture where practitioners can sit.

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A D

vía Google

I came to Beginner’s night. Everyone was friendly, and I feel as though I would like to attend more in the future. As someone who has read a few books by Zen monks but is without much knowledge of the practice itself, this was an engaging introduction. We talked about general posture, custom, and hand placement, and a question and answer session followed.

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FROG BEAR

vía Google

I have been going for over a year and a half. It is a wonderful and thriving community of Zen Buddhist practitioners, ranging from beginners to experts, and of all ages. I would highly recommend anyone visit, and for me personally, it has provided me with many tools to confront my hard life questions.