Open Mind Zen Naples
is a non-profit organization dedicated to offering donation-based meditation and yoga to the Naples community. Zen is a Japanese word meaning “meditation.” At Open Mind Zen, meditation is the heart of our practice. We believe that the core of Zen Practice is realization and actualization of Awakened Mind in everyday life and have found that various methods foster this journey.
In Open Mind Zen practice the student uses his or her own life experience as the laboratory to engage in the experiment of spirituality. This includes working with the mind, body and spirit to see the oneness of all aspects of the Self for a complete experience of freedom and awakening.
We offer mindfulness meditation as well as traditional Zen training, including koan study.
We also understand that the body is a vehicle on the path and incorporate various forms of physical practice as a path to awakening. Our lineage dates back over 2,500 years to the time of Shakyamuni Buddha. In Zen, the “beginner’s mind” is most precious, so beginners are welcome to join us at any time. Experienced meditators from all traditions are also welcome to drop in to any offering.
View our New Meditation Schedule online.
OMZN HAS CANCELLED ALL IN-PERSON ACTIVITIES DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC, CHECK OUR WEEKLY MEDIATION SCHEDULE FOR VIRTUAL EVENTS.
OMZN – Virtual Zendo
We are pleased to announce the opening of our Virtual Zendo! Due to the state of the pandemic with Coronavirus COVID-19, we have switched all our activities online. Please join us to practice.View Weekly MeditationSchedule.
Coronavirus Global Situation – OMZN Cancellation of Activities
Like many communities around the world, at Open Mind Zen Naples we are concerned about the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 and are monitoring the unfolding events related to the virus.We believe that a mindful approach to an evolving situation includes using an...
CANCELLED – Energy Space & Consciousness: Exploring our Inner Landscape and Outer Life – Saturday March 14th
All things in life can be seen to fall within the categories of energy, space and consciousness. Understanding how all three interact on an internal and external level can allow us to become free from stress, anxiety and suffering. In this workshop we’ll focus on...
2020 Ango: Cooking The Supreme Meal
2020 Ango: Cooking The Supreme Meal. In today’s modern world, “2020” is synonymous with clear vision. A traditional way of generating clarity in our lives is participating in Ango. Ango is a traditional practice period where those engaged step up their practice for a...
2019 Teacher’s Letter
Dear Sangha and Friends of Open Mind Zen Naples, As 2019 comes to a close, I would like to express my deep gratitude to all of our members, students, and friends that made this year such a meaningful one. Many stepped up this year to take on new roles and...
Zazenkai. Day of Meditation – Sunday December 8th
Sunday December 8th - 10 am to 3 pm In Zen practice, extended periods of immersion in meditation are seen as essential along the path. Zazenkai means “coming together for meditation.” This is a wonderful opportunity for a full day of deep practice with the support...
This Saturday, November 23rd – Samu Practice
Now that our Zendo has been painted and repaired, it is time for it to be cleaned. In the spirit of on-going practice, we have scheduled a Samu Day this Saturday. Samu (作務 ) in Japanese refers to physical work that is done with mindfulness as a simple, practical and...
Lay Monk Precepts (Tokudo) Ceremony
On November 3rd, Karen Kyokai Lasker and Dominick Koshin Tascher have formalized their commitments to the Sangha and the Bodhisattva Path by receiving Lay Monk Vows from Sensei Al Fusho Rapaport. Almost thirty Sangha members and friends were present for their...
Zen Flute (Shakuhachi) & Mindfulness – 10/19
Tea Roman is a custodian of the Shakuhachi (Zen Flute). The Shakuhachi has direct connection to the Zen lineage, at one point in history enjoying a dedicated school of Zen practice. Tea offers a Zazen Session with Suizen (blowing meditation) - in laymen speech it is a...
Facing the Mirror of Awareness – Workshop – 11/2
Facing the Mirror of Awareness Saturday, November 2nd, 10 am to 5 pm Mirror-like Awareness is one of the Five Wisdoms said to manifest when the mind is purified of obstructions. In this workshop, we will explore the origins of suffering and anxiety, and how we create...
Coming up at OMZN!
OMZN – Virtual Zendo
We are pleased to announce the opening of our Virtual Zendo! Due to the state of the pandemic with Coronavirus COVID-19, we have switched all our activities online. Please join us to practice.View Weekly MeditationSchedule.
Coronavirus Global Situation – OMZN Cancellation of Activities
Like many communities around the world, at Open Mind Zen Naples we are concerned about the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 and are monitoring the unfolding events related to the virus.We believe that a mindful approach to an evolving situation includes using an...
CANCELLED – Energy Space & Consciousness: Exploring our Inner Landscape and Outer Life – Saturday March 14th
All things in life can be seen to fall within the categories of energy, space and consciousness. Understanding how all three interact on an internal and external level can allow us to become free from stress, anxiety and suffering. In this workshop we’ll focus on...