Welcome. The Athens Zen Group is an unaffiliated, independent community of lay practitioners. Our primary form of practice is zazen, a form of seated meditation that emphasizes shikantaza, or “just sitting”.

 

We invite you to browse our site to learn more about AZG, view our meditation and event schedule, and check out our list of books and other resources to discover more about Zen Buddhist practice. If you have questions, just use the contact page to get in touch with us.

Members of the Athens Zen Group sangha sitting at the Classic City Ballet space, 20??

Meditation for all levels

The Athens Zen Group sangha sits every Sunday morning from 8:30 to 10:00 at Work.Shop in Athens, GA. A discussion of Zen teachings follows from 10:00 to 10:50. We also hold half-day and outdoor sits at various times throughout the year.

We welcome newcomers at all levels of practice. Beginners and first-time attendants should attend a newcomers’ orientation, held via Zoom on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM. Use the contact page to sign up.

 
Frog on a lilypad, by IlonaF

Volunteer with Athens Zen

As a lay sangha, AZG has to be self-reliant. So there are plenty of opportunities to help out, for both new and experienced sitters!

Firewood stack with log in the shape of a heart

Resources for your practice

Find book recommendations from AZG members, “cheat sheets” to the weekly sits, informative videos, and links to other resources on Buddhism and Zen practice. 

 

“If you want to see things just as they are, then you yourself must practice just as you are.”

— Dogen

Get in touch

 

Please use our webform to email us. We ask that newcomers to the group, whether new to Zen or already practicing, schedule their attendance at one of our welcome sessions, held monthly on 4th Tuesdays via Zoom.