Oxbow Zen is a community of Zen practitioners in the greater Northampton, Massachusetts, area. We offer a welcoming and inclusive space for people at all stages of life to practice and study Zen meditation. Our wish is to nourish a Sangha and to support and deepen our practice together.
Notes on entering First Churches: We are now sitting upstairs at First Churches in Northampton, in a room where we have no buzzer to unlock the door. A Sangha member will be at the outside door about 5-10 minutes before the sit to let you in and direct you to this space. Thank you for arriving at the Zendo promptly.
Zazen in person is available for people who are vaccinated and boosted. As of May 7 2023, masking at the Zendo is optional. The online Zendo offering ended in September 2023.
For more information, or if you are coming for the first time, please reach out to us directly at oxbowzensangha@gmail.com.
We send out regular updates about our schedule through our email list. If you’re ready to sign up for the email list, you can initiate the process by sending us email. Thank you for including a few words about your interest in Oxbow Zen.
Looking forward to connecting with you!
Our Practices
We are an affiliate of the Village Zendo in NYC in the White Plum Lineage of Zen. We engage in the “Wholehearted” practice of Dogen Zenji. We welcome meditators from all traditions to participate.
Zazen
Sunday morning: Sunday 8:00-9:30 AM. Please be in your seat by 7:55 AM. Two rounds of 30-minute sitting, with 10 minutes of kinhin (walking meditation) in-between and ending with a chanting service. We have Sangha check-in after the service.
Wednesday evening: Two rounds of zazen and kinhin, 5:30-6:40 PM.
Study
During some seasons, we engage in monthly Study opportunities. We share leadership of our study. All sangha members are valued as both teachers and learners on the Way.
Dharma Talks
Dharma talks are occasionally given by Soshin Sensei or senior students. Listen to a selection on our “Talks” page.
Extended Practice
We hold day-long sits (Zazenkai) several times each year on the first Sunday in Jan, Mar, Oct, and Jun.
Please check the Calendar Page to learn about upcoming events with brief details. You can find more detailed announcements on the News Page.
Any questions or concern? Contact us at oxbowzensangha@gmail.com. We are looking forward to practicing with you!
Welcome to the community!
Affiliates