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.
Note: With immediate effect, our weekday evening sit is moving to Wednesday, 5:30 PM. For the time being, all our programs take place in the “Yoga Room” upstairs, with details as announced via email.
Zazen is available in person for people who are vaccinated and boosted. As of May 7 2023, masking at the Zendo is optional. Our Sunday program continues to be accessible **ONLINE**.
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 via email. If you’re ready to sign up for the email list, you can initiate the process by sending us email. Please include 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 and also offer koan study to those who are interested. We welcome meditators from all traditions to participate.
Zazen
Sunday morning: Sunday 8:00-9:30 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. Sunday practice is offered in-person and virtually. Please be in your seat in person, or connect to the Zoom Zendo, by 7:55 AM.
Thursday evening: Two rounds of zazen and kinhin, 5:30-6:40 PM. In-person only.
Teacher Interview
Our resident Zen Teacher is Lisa Soshin Dufour, Sensei. Soshin Sensei received Dharma Transmission in 2022 from Randall Ryotan Eiger, Roshi of the Village Zendo.
Opportunities for private interview with Soshin Sensei are available in person on Sundays or virtually on Tuesdays at 5:00 PM: https://villagezendo.org/online-teacher-interviews/
Study
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 senior students and Soshin Sensei. Listen to a selection on our “Talks” page.
Extended Practice
We hold day-long sits (Zazenkai) several times each year (e.g. Jan, Mar, Oct).
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: Village Zendo, Hyannis Zendo, New Paltz Zen Center
