Questions & Answers
Frequently asked questions
We practice Korean Zen (Seon), an ancient tradition cultivated in Korea for over 1,400 years. A branch of the Linji School (Kr. Imje), Korean Zen has its own unique flavor but is closely related to Chinese Chan and Japanese Rinzai. It emphasizes awakening through direct experience, meditation, and bringing awareness into everyday life.
We practice Ganhwa Seon, a practice that brings awareness and insight into every aspect of life. At the heart of our practice is a question such as "Who am I?" or "What is this?" which we carry into all our activities. This practice helps cultivate calm, clarity, and presence in daily life and gradually leads to awakening to our true nature. This is what connects all of our practice forms, whether sitting, walking, or engaging in everyday tasks. For an overview of our practices, see the Meditation section on this website.
You don’t need any prior meditation experience to join us! Our sessions are friendly and welcoming to everyone, whether you’re completely new or have practiced before. We offer simple guidance and a supportive environment where you can grow, explore, and discover the benefits of meditation at your own pace.
Welcome! :) We suggest starting with our Tuesday evening meditation sessions. These provide a gentle introduction to meditation and include a Q&A session at the end. They are also a great way to meet others in the community. We also recommend our Hwadu Hikes, where we practice walking meditation and mindfulness in the middle of Oslo’s beautiful forests. Once you feel more comfortable with the practice, you can join one of our monthly all-day retreats for a deeper, more rigorous form of Zen training.
Not at all! Everyone is welcome, whether you follow a different religion, have no religion, practice another form of Buddhism, or are simply curious. We believe this practice can benefit everyone. These teachings are freely offered, and everyone is welcome to explore them in a way that feels comfortable and natural.
No problem! You can practice seated on a chair or in any comfortable position that works for you. Chairs or benches are available at all of our indoor events for those who need them. Everyone is welcome to join, whatever their physical abilities.
There is no strict dress code. Come as you are! Wear flexible, comfortable clothing that lets you move and sit easily. Muted or dark colors are nice but not required. The most important thing is that you feel relaxed and ready to practice.
Most of our activities are freely offered and supported by donations. All contributions go directly toward expanding our activities and working toward a center of our own. Everyone is welcome to participate, whatever you can give, and we are deeply grateful for your support.
Yes, children and families are welcome at Dohasa Zen Group! The Hwadu Hikes are a perfect opportunity to introduce young children to mindfulness and to help them notice and appreciate the beauty in the world around them. Our Tuesday evening meditation sessions are great for older children and teenagers. It is a a wonderful way for them to start learning about their minds and developing calm and awareness. Some events, like our monthly all-day meditation retreats, are geared toward adult practice. Families are welcome to attend together, but we recommend contacting us in advance if you plan to bring young children so we can provide guidance and ensure a supportive environment for all participants.
You can support Dohasa by clicking the donate button or contributing to our events. All donations go 100% toward expanding our activities and working toward our dream of one day having a center of our own. Your generosity is what makes our community possible, and we are deeply grateful for your support. Every contribution, big or small, helps nourish our community and the practice we share together.
We welcome volunteers! If you would like to take a more active role after attending a few of our sessions, please have a chat with Alex Carroll (Practice Leader) or send us an email. We are always looking for people to help with supporting roles in our activities. We also welcome ideas for new initiatives and activities!
No matter what tradition you practice, you are warmly welcome at Dohasa. Our space is open to anyone curious about Zen Buddhism or meditation, and we celebrate the diversity of paths that bring people to mindfulness and insight. You can engage with the practice in a way that feels comfortable for you. We hope you find inspiration, calm, and connection here. Welcome!