Zen practice comes alive through sitting together, whether that’s a regular weekly session, a weekend retreat, or something more personal. Our regular schedule is based in Ames, with some sessions available online. Below you’ll find our regular sits, classes, family program, and monthly Half Day of Zen.
If you’d like more individualized instruction, you’re always welcome to reach out to us through our Contact page.
Donations to support these offerings are always welcomed and appreciated. Visit our Donations page for more information.
Join us for meditation throughout the week in Ames. No experience or advance sign-up is needed — just show up a few minutes early.
New to sitting? Visit our Begin Here page first to know what to expect.
A structured morning practice including seated meditation and walking meditation.
No registration necessary — just show up.
Schedule
Monday evenings, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Zazen, Discussion, Closing
For many of us, sitting still and in silence isn't relaxing — it can even bring up past difficulty. Guided meditation offers a gentler way in, leading you through where to place your attention, followed by shared reading and discussion.
No registration necessary — just show up.
Schedule
Thursday evenings, 6:30–7:30pm
15-20 minute meditation followed by shared reading and discussion
Start your day out right — align yourself with the Buddha and meditation practice, with brief instructions to guide you in.
No registration necessary — just show up.
Schedule
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Online Only
5:30 – 5:55 am (Central Time Zone)
A few times a year, we gather for longer periods of practice — a chance to step away from daily life and go deeper into stillness, teaching, and community. See below for our upcoming retreats and how to register.
A morning of deepened practice — seated meditation interspersed with walking meditation, offering a chance to settle more fully into stillness than a single evening session allows.
8:30am – Noon at Quaker Meeting
Quaker Meeting in Ames
Jan 23, Mar 27, May 22, July 24, Sept 25
New to Zen, or curious about going deeper into the teachings? These sessions offer a starting point — from a guided introduction to Zen practice and philosophy, to a more committed path of studying the precepts for those considering formally taking them on.
An introduction to Zen Buddhism through the practice of seated meditation (zazen) and an exploration of core Buddhist teachings on mindfulness, impermanence, and awakening. This course blends direct experience with philosophical inquiry to cultivate insight, stillness, and compassion.
Class is held twice a year
Quaker House, 121 S. Maple Avenue, Ames
February 27th, 1-3pm
September 25th, 1-3pm
Thinking about being Buddhist? Study the precepts with us. Formally receiving the precepts is a commitment to lessening the suffering in our life and learning to embody awakened energy. Anyone willing to study the precepts and to learn is welcome to join the class.
Saturdays 7am
Jan 23*, Feb 27, March 27*, April 24, May 22*, June 26, July 24*, August 28, Sept 25*, Oct 23, Nov 20*, Dec 18
Note for asterisks: These will be on zoom, but for those attending Zazenkai / half day of Zen, we can do them in person and just remain for the retreat as desired. Please keep in touch if you are interested in this option.
Practice isn't just for solo sitting — it can be something your whole family shares. This gentle, creative gathering blends short kid-friendly meditation, group singing, and hands-on art, open to all ages, with children under 12 welcome alongside an accompanying adult.
Select Saturdays, 9:45- 11:30am
At Quaker Meeting House – 121 S. Maple Avenue in Ames
Feb 27, Apr 24, June 26, Aug 28, Oct 23
Our regular practice is based in Ames, but our teachers also offer occasional sessions, retreats, and events in other communities, including Omaha, Clive, and elsewhere. Schedules for these gatherings are posted in one place, so you can see what’s coming up and plan ahead. You can also find announcements in our newsletter.
Date and Time: December 4th, 5pm – 6th, 1pm
Schedule: Sundays 10 – 11:30am
10am Zazen
10:30am Chanting Heart Sutra
10:45am Dharma Talk
11:15am Q and A
11:30am End
February 1st, February 22nd*, March 1st, March 22nd*, June 7th*, June 21st, July 12th*, July 26th, Sept 6th, September 20th*, November 1st, November 15th*
*Spend a restorative weekend at the Nebraska Zen Center beginning with a serene Full Moon Ceremony on Friday evening. On Saturday, newcomers can enjoy an accessible Introduction to Zen followed by a fun, mindful kids’ program. The weekend concludes on Sunday with quiet zazen meditation and a dharma talk to deepen insight and connection. Over February 22nd and June 14th we will hold sesshin, an intensive 3-day meditation retreat.
In times of loss, or when you’d like to make your wishes known in advance, Zen Fields’ clergy can accompany you and your family through the funeral and memorial process. These ceremonies offer a sacred space to acknowledge death, express grief, and honor a life that has been lived, and our clergy offer Buddhist teachings, ritual, and compassionate presence along the way.
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