Those new to the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives are asked to attend an orientation before joining our other activities. This is true even for those who may have some familiarity with Zen. We also offer orientations online for those who cannot attend in-person.

An orientation consists of an introduction to our form of meditation and practice. You are given an opportunity to meet a monk and ask questions in an informal setting. We also take the time to try to find a meditation posture that is reasonably comfortable for you. The intention is to give you what you would need to begin our practice, and to join us in the future, although we make no assumptions as to your continuing to practice with us, or becoming a Buddhist.

The orientation is available by reservation on most Fridays at 6:00 PM. It lasts about an hour. To make a reservation, please email or call two or three days before the Friday that you wish to come (Contact).  We are most likely to be available to take your call from about 9:30AM-1:00PM and 2:30PM-5:30PM Tuesday-Saturday.

There are no fees of any kind for instruction, or participation in Priory activities. The Priory is supported (Priory Support) entirely by kind donations from our congregation and friends.

It is traditional to make an offering when coming into contact with a Buddhist temple. This is not a transaction or payment. It is simply the encouragement of a willingness to take a first step in the practice of Buddhism, i.e. to begin to deal with clinging. This provides an opportunity to experience the deep benefit that generosity has on one’s practice—see CZBP Newsletter #26, “On Generosity II.” It doesn’t need to be a large offering. In fact, for those with little, it is much more helpful to be willing to make a very small offering, than to feel that what you can afford will be inconsequential.

The effects of meditation can be broad ranging, unexpected and may even be confusing and/or challenging, although ultimately, with supervision, very worthwhile. We therefore strongly urge anyone considering undertaking a meditation practice to have regular access to a teacher.

If you are, or think that you might be, sick with something that you might pass on to others, please don’t come until you are no longer contagious. We ask that those who come be vaccinated. If you don’t feel able to do that, please contact us.

For services, please wear nice, dignified, respectful, clothing—something loose enough to comfortably meditate and bow in. Tight or revealing clothing, as well as T-shirts, shorts, or clothing that ‘makes a statement’ (with slogans, advertising, styling, etc.) are not appropriate. Please minimize scents: perfume, after-shave, laundry, etc.

Click here for a short introduction to Buddhism, our tradition and practice.