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To be a member one must also be
practicing at home. The first step to becoming a member is to
attend an Introductory Workshop. This is followed by attending
a Beginners' Course, given for those who have attended a workshop.
After this one is invited to come to one or two regular zazen
periods as a visitor. Then one may become a member. Although
the Center is a nonprofit organization, a monthly fee is charged
in order that the costs of running the facility can be met. No
one in particular benefits from these contributions; they are
all used for the community as a whole.
There are two major problems to be overcome if one is to carry
on a Zen practice: the first is to get to the cushion, and the
second is to stay there. By maintaining a regular schedule of
attendance at a center, the first can be overcome; by working
with others and adopting the disipline of the group, the second
can be overcome. This, in turn. will enable one to get much deeper
into the practice. Few people are able to commit themselves totally
to anything; there is always some part of themselves that is
left out and that nags, criticizes, or looks desperately around
for alternatives. When one practices with a group, there is less
likelihood of this problem becoming serious enough to interrupt
the practice.
The only reason for the existence of the Montreal Zen Center
is to help people to practice Zen. Zen, which is a sect of Buddhism,
is essentially a living practice and not a theory or dogma. Zen
adheres to no philosophy or theology. There are several ways
of learning more about the Montreal Zen Center and how Zen is
practiced here: the Workshop and there are many books by Albert
Low giving different aspects of Zen.
Reservations for the workshops can be made by contacting Janine
Levesque at 514-334-1048. (if Janine is not there please leave
a message and she will get back to you as soon as possible) or
email us at info@zenmontreal.ca
Are you a first time visitor and would like directions to the
Center? Check out the directions page.
Are you a visitor coming from out of town and need a place to
stay ? You can find this information on the directions page
as well. |
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