Course: Introduction to Zen Meditation & Mindfulness

A Five-Week Path Toward Peace, Confidence & Clarity
A series of five classes running from September 9 thru October 7, 2025

Whether you are brand new to meditation or looking to refresh your practice, this welcoming class series offers a down-to-earth introduction to Zen meditation and mindfulness. Open to people of all faiths and backgrounds, it provides practical tools to help you live with more presence, stability, and compassion right in the middle of daily life.

Each class will explore one of the four foundations of mindfulness, a cornerstone of Buddhist practice that’s deeply relevant to modern living. Together, we’ll learn how to sit in stillness, cultivate awareness, and apply these timeless teachings to whatever life throws our way.

What to Expect
1. Guided Zen meditation practice each session
2. Engaging talks and discussion led by Rev. Gendo Thornberry
3. Weekly mindfulness assignments to bring practice into your everyday life
4. Supportive group discussions to reflect, share, and grow together
5. Digital course materials

Where
Des Moines Zen Center – Deep River Temple
6901 SW 14th St., Des Moines

When
Tuesdays
Week 1: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Weeks 2-5: 7:00 – 8:00 PM

The series is designed to be interactive, relational, and grounded in real-life experience. We encourage participants to attend all sessions to build community and deepen their understanding.

Cost
The Des Moines Zen Center operates exclusively on free-will donations. A suggested donation for the series of five (5) classes is $50, although no one will be turned away for lack of funds. To register, please email dsmzencenter@gmail.com with your intent to attend the class. The deadline for registration is September 2, 2025.

Introduction to Zen Meditation Course Flyer