Joyful Mind
Zen Community
Joyful Mind Zen Community supports the practice of Zen for all people. We are a community of people practicing Zen together to relieve suffering in our lives and in the world. We are a group of friends on the path of joy, liberation, and awakening. We are located in Rockville, Maryland and the Washington DC Metro area, and extended through our online practice.
We welcome newcomers and visitors to practice with us.
Joyful Mind Zendo offers teaching, instruction, and practice periods in the time-honored Zen tradition adapted to our contemporary and daily lives. We welcome all who are drawn to a simple meditation practice regardless of experience, religious faith or affiliation. We emphasize sitting meditation (zazen) and support each other in transforming our lives toward more peace, liberation and freedom.
The teachings and practice are free to all. We practice diversity and inclusion as the path of Awakening. We are a non-profit organization and donations are gratefully accepted. Come sit with us!
Our Guiding Teacher Sensei Martine Taikai Palmiter is a dharma successor in the direct teaching lineage of the Venerable Hakuyū Taizan Maezumi in the White Plum Asanga. She was confirmed by her Teacher Sensei Rosemary Myoan Dougherty, founding teacher of the One Heart Sangha.
““Have good trust in yourself—not in the one you think you should be, but in the One that you are.
Do not forget that everything is with you to begin with. Practice diligently and wholeheartedly.””
photos of Zen Retreat - Sesshin—September 2024