Please join us for any of the upcoming events. No previous experience is necessary. All body types, ages, genders, persuasions, and cultural backgrounds are welcome regardless of economic situation.
For those new to the practice of Zen meditation, consider contacting us for basic orientation.
**In the case of inclement weather, in-person events will probably be online only. Contact us to learn about changes.**
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.
2026
January 24th, 1:00 – 3:00pm
September 26th, 1:00 – 3:00pm
Quaker Meeting, 121 S. Maple Avenue, Ames
Practice during a Zen retreat consists of seated meditation periods interspersed with walking meditation. It’s an opportunity to deepen one’s concentration level, to cultivate greater self acceptance, and to open one to the freedom that comes with a mind of service.
Half Day of Zen (8:30am – Noon at Quaker Meeting)
February 28
April 25
June 27
August 22
Oct 24
(Contact Jisho at sasieber@gmail.com to join)
Rohatsu Sesshin (At Retreat Center in Newton)
December 4th, 5pm – 6th, 1pm
5:30 – 6:00am (Central Time Zone) Zazen
Start your day out right. Align yourself with the Buddha and meditation practice, including brief instructions.
Please see calendar page for zoom link and passcode.
$5 suggested donation for online meditations
*In person at Quaker Meeting or online.
Located at:
121 S. Maple Avenue, Ames
Virtual option available.
For many of us, sitting still and in silence is not relaxing, or may even trigger past trauma. Guided meditations are a gentle way of leading a practitioner through offering choices of where to place our attention. For examples of guided meditations, check these out, or come join us live.
We do a 15-20 minute meditation followed by shared reading and discussion.
Please see calendar page for zoom link and passcode.
$10 suggested donation
6:00 pm Zazen
6:25 Walking Meditation
6:35 Zazen
7:00 Shared reading and discussion
7:30 Closing
Quaker Meeting House – 121 S. Maple Avenue in Ames
OR
Please see calendar page for zoom link and passcode.
Join us for a gentle, creative family program that brings everyone together through mindfulness and imagination. Each session includes a short, kid-friendly meditation, joyful group singing, and hands-on art activities designed to spark connection and self-expression. Perfect for families of all ages who want to slow down, create, and share meaningful moments.
Note: arrival and collective set-up and sangha building informally from 9:45-10; program starts formally at 10. Open to everyone of all ages, with our without your families, though kids under 12 would need to be accompanied by an adult.
January 24
March 28
May 9
July 25
Sept 26
Nov 21
Quaker Meeting House – 121 S. Maple Avenue in Ames
Pure Land of Iowa in Clive
In the spirit of mindfulness, we’ll look deeply into our patterns of consumption and waste. This retreat offers meditation, practical tools, and shared insight into how zero-waste living expresses the truth that nothing and no one is separate.
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.
Online Only
Dates for precepts class (Saturdays 7am):
Click here for Zoom Link (Passcode: ZenFields)
2025 Schedule
December 13th
2026 Schedule
Jan 24
Feb 28*
March 28
April 25*
May 9
June 27*
July 25
August 22*
Sept 26
Oct 24*
Nov 21
Dec 12
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.
Sundays 10 – 11:30am
10am Zazen
10:30am Chanting Heart Sutra
10:45am Dharma Talk
11:15am Q and A
11:30am End
No passcode required
2025 Schedule
December 21st
2026 Schedule
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.
Quaker Meeting with potluck
Our Annual Meeting of the members is an opportunity to review past programming and activities, and to make decisions for the future direction of Zen Fields. We would love to hear your input!