Calendar
Zazen (meditation) and talks
with Barbara Jikai Gabrys Roshi
Meditation is a simple and natural activity which helps to focus mind and to maintain mental and physical health. In practical terms we explain, demonstrate and exercise four meditation postures and two fundamental meditation techniques. This is a non-sectarian approach which also explores links to mindfulness. There is an opportunity for a more in-depth study and one-to-one interview with Zen Master.
2025-26 EJRC seminar series
The evening will include spending some time being guided by Jikai Roshi in Zen meditation, before leading on to more general discussion.
In person at John Henry Brookes Building (JHB201),
Oxford Brookes University
Online via Zoom (registration not required)
More info please email jikai7@pm.me
Zen Roots
What? weekly meetings, blended: in person and via Zoom
Where? Wolvercote Zendo
When? Ongoing, Thursdays 6.15pm – 8pm
Posture, breathing and fundamental types of meditation will be (re)examined and practised. Every week there will be a short presentation and discussion of practical and philosophical aspects underlying Zen practice.
Highlights: zazen postures, history of Zen, teachings of great Zen masters
Supporting text: Living Zen by Robert Linssen (1958), George Allen and Unwin
Cost: donations on ‘what you can afford’ basis
Contact: email jikai7@pm.me, phone 07967893145
Zazenkai
Zazenkai, a one day retreat, is a day devoted to focusing mind and introspection.
Saturday 14th February 2026 (Oxford Quakers)
Morning 9.30 am – afternoon 4.30 pm
Zen teachings – The Nature of Things
Morning zazen in person The ‘clear vision’ is one of the eightfold path elements which aims to discover the profound nature of things. It is not philosophical speculation, and Zen offers a unique bodymind approach of ‘gathering mind’ to explore it. We will explore sitting meditation (zazen), mindful movement and face-to-face interview (sanzen) with Jikai Rōshi.
Lunch break 12.30 – 13.45 Please bring some vegetarian/vegan food to share
Afternoon Jukai ceremony in person and online 1.45 to 4.30pm
Retreat is suitable for all – beginners to experienced students.
Cost: £45, concessions £30 (students and unwaged) for full day. Afternoon attendance in person and via Zoom is free.
Bookings and Zoom link: jikai7@pm.me; phone 07967893145
Venue: Oxford Friends Meeting House, 43 St Giles’, Oxford OX1 3LW
Forthcoming zazenkai
Saturday 29th- Sunday 30th March 2026 ‘Zen teachings: the Noble Eightfold Path’
Over the course of life we interact with others and collect experiences. There is no blueprint for our actions. There is ‘no good, no bad’ approach in Zen, often misunderstood as a free licence. The Noble Eightfold Path guides us to live in an ethically sound way. This we will explore during this day of gathering mind.
This is a two days non-residential retreat in Wolvercote, starting at 6am on Saturday, finishing at 5pm on Sunday. All meals are provided, contributions of £25 per day towards the cost of food.
Bookings: jikai7@pm.me; phone 07967893145
What is the code of conduct during the retreat? Here it is:
Practical information about the zazenkai
A one-day retreat – or zazenkai in Japanese – is a time of intense Zen practice when we turn our awareness inwards. When you have committed to this day, you may be sacrifying your free time or time with your partner or family.
Read more Practical information
Drop-in mindfulness meditation sessions – currently taught in University of Oxford colleges
Mindfulness meditation practices are simple and rewarding: their benefits include lowering stress, managing chronic pain, anxiety and anger, improving capability to relax and autoimmune response. Even on an ad-hoc basis you can notice positive changes – however more lasting results will be achieved with continuing practice.
This series of stand-alone meetings is a continuation of the course ‘Focus your mind: Zen for health and wellbeing’. Every meeting includes a short talk, discussion and gentle mindful movement followed by a group meditation. There are no prerequisites as full instructions on how to meditate will be given at every session. Comfortable clothing is advised; sitting on chairs or meditation cushions. There are handouts, guided meditation scripts to accompany each session as well as a short list of reference sources.
Session fee: donations are welcome when taught outside University of Oxford venues.
Further enquiries and register of interest please email: jikai7@pm.me
More information about the past course Quakers-2019.pdf