Practice Schedule 

Saturdays dharma talks, discussion and meditation in person and via Zoom 10:30 am EST

Daily unprogrammed meditation  7:00-8:00 am EST by Zoom

Weekly themes and cancellations of in-person practice are announced in the newsletter. Sign up here. 

If the weather or roads are difficult, check your email for a cancellation notice before leaving for the zendo.

For Zoom access, email omzlouisville@gmail.com or text (502) 303-7259

Calendar

Bodhi Day Retreat

Saturday Dec. 13, 10am-3pm EST

Zoom access TBD

Winter Break *

OMZL closed Sun. Dec. 14 -  Fri. Jan. 16

*Individual and precepts/rakusu meetings by request, scheduled around teacher availability.

Buddha Day (Buddha's Birthday) Retreat

Sat. Apr. 11

Open Mind Zen Spring Retreat 2026, hosted at OMZL

Fri. May 15 - Sun. May 17, 2026

Summer Break 2026 (Tentative Dates)

Wed. July 12 - Friday Aug. 14

ABOUT

OMZL is an affiliate of Open Mind Zen in the White Plum Asanga . OMZL is run by Assistant Teacher Angie Reed Garner under the auspices of Al Fusho Rapaport, Roshi. Read more about them here.  

OMZL is a lay-focused Zen tradition of training to live well while immersed in daily life with full responsibility for self, family and community. Lay life provides endless opportunity to deepen one's practice, and everyone benefits.

WHERE

OMZL is located in a former warehouse space—signed and web-findable as garner LARGE (art) at 1013 Bardstown Rd., alley entrance. Search "garner LARGE" with a mapping program. Google Maps

There are 3-4 parking spaces by the orange door that you are welcome to use. Don't park at Jack Fry's. There is on-street parking, metered and free, on Highland Ave. There is free on-street parking on Cherokee Rd.

HOW TO BEGIN

Basically, show up. Kindest to yourself is to arrive ten minutes early to find your seat and locate the bathroom. Instructions are given as necessary. 

You may also make an appointment for an introduction and orientation.  These orientations take place in person or by zoom. They are designed to help a new student (new to Zen or new to this zendo) to feel familiar and comfortable. Expect an orientation to take about 45 minutes.  These can be done before class by arrangement.

SEATING AND ACCESSIBILITY

Kinhin  ["moving meditation"] is understood to include whatever movements are available to students, at whatever pace. Students may remain entirely seated, and may also use mobility devices.

Practitioners are encouraged to set aside the goal of stillness in favor of sensitivity and compassion for their own particular experience. By prioritizing comfort and stability, and making ready use of intentional movements including walking, rocking, fidgets, use of a mala (beads) etc. students generally relax and settle. Stillness finds the practitioner.

Meditation Posture 

Some OMZL students meditate in a chair plus an angled chair cushion, which helps bring the spine into alignment without muscular tension and gripping. These are provided. Our wedge cushions have gotten good reviews from most students.

If you prefer to sit or lay on the floor,  zafus/zabutons and a thick pilates mat are available. If you prefer, you may bring your own supports. Cane stands are available. You are invited to change your posture at need, do walking meditation, or otherwise take care of yourself at any time.

There is a small step to enter the front door, and a small step to enter the bathroom. The warehouse bay door opens, which allows for wheelchair access via a small but steep ramp. Manual wheelchair users will likely need an assist up and down the ramp, and this assistance is available. Text in advance if possible (502) 303-7259, beep car horn on arrival, or knock on the orange door.

Front door step: 8" 

Bathroom door step: 7"

OMZL READINGS

Here is a link to the OMZL vows and readings that may be used during practice. Here are the precepts OMZ students take as part of a formal rite of passage marking entrance into the Buddhist community.