6901 SW 14th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50315
DONATENew to Zen?
DONATEIf you are new to Zen or meditation, our Zen Center offers welcoming and supportive ways to help you get started. Firstly, the Des Moines Zen Center offers a Newcomer Orientation Video that illustrates what Zen practice looks like at the center. This video gently introduces viewers to key aspects of sitting meditation, mindful awareness, and the forms and rhythms of practice you’ll encounter in the zendo, making it a great resource for those new to Zen or curious about what to expect before attending in person.
We offer welcoming and supportive ways to help you get started at the Zen Center. Beginner-friendly instruction is provided during selected regular zazen practice times, where you can learn the basics of posture, breathing, and sitting practice. In addition, we offer an Introduction to Zen Meditation & Mindfulness course designed especially for beginners who would like a more structured introduction. Beginning Zen practice can feel unfamiliar, and we take care to create an environment where you can start with confidence and ease. We warmly invite you to join us and take your first steps in practice.
Meditation instruction is offered on Wednesday evenings and on Sundays mornings before our zazen, and we encourage first-time visitors to attend one of these sessions to gain a basic foundation for practice. The service and dharma talk on the first Sunday of each month are oriented especially toward those who are new. Jump to our Practice page to learn more and to check out our schedule.
Instruction session before regular zazen practice
-Wednesday evenings at 5:40 p.m.
-Sunday mornings at 7:40 a.m
Newcomer Oriented Service and Dharma Talk :
- First Sunday of each month
Go to our Practice page to learn about our practice and schedule
We offer an Introduction to Zen Meditation & Mindfulness course, designed specifically for newcomers who would like a more structured overview of Zen practice. Jump to learn more about the course.
The Des Moines Zen Center is supported entirely by the generosity of its community. Our teachings, practice opportunities, and programs are offered freely and sustained through voluntary donations.
If you wish to support the ongoing work and practice of the Zen Center, you are invited to make a free-will offering. Donations may be given as a one-time gift or set up as a recurring offering. Please visit our Donation page or use the Donate button here to give securely by PayPal or debit/credit card.
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