Chad DeChant

The Village Zendo is a wonderful, warm, welcoming place. I was a little hesitant to get involved in an organized religious community but felt very at home at the Zendo from the first time I went. It has many teachers so there isn't a 'cult of personality' around one figure. The two most senior teachers are women (who are married to each other), which some people might find helps foster a safe and welcoming atmosphere. There are many ways to practice at the Village Zendo, from simply coming and sitting quietly in zazen (sitting meditation), to listening to talks, having interviews with teachers, and participating in traditional Zen services. Some other places are more strict about the way they do things while others are more loose and basically devoid of traditional elements. I've found the Village Zendo to have just the right balance: traditional elements are honored and maintained but in an open, relaxed way.