The Community
Who is the "Tech Community"?
The tech community is anyone working on, interested in, or inspired positively or negatively by modern technology. This includes developers, engineers, researchers, designers, analysts, managers, and others working in technical roles — as well as users of technologies and anyone else who is interested.
Why does this group address the tech community?
There are a few reasons. The demands of working in tech mean that the community can benefit from Zen practice. People in tech show attention, focus, and determination that are especially compatible with Zen practice. We believe that new and innovative Zen offerings can align with the needs of the community.
Teaching is clearer when it connects with the shared language and experiences of a specific community, providing context and depth for discussions of Zen practice and other topics. Zen practice benefits individuals simultaneously with the whole world, due to interconnectedness. In that way, Zen can help to make the work of tech communities more beneficial for everyone.
I'm not in the tech community. Can I join?
Yes! Our focus is only intended to help us offer clear practice through attention to a set of shared experiences. No one is excluded.
As a person who is _______, am I welcomed?
Very much! Personal and group identifications are vital parts of being human, and Zen values individual identities and experience while also transcending categories and labels. Zen is for everyone, and our practice welcomes everyone. For more, see our statement of Ethics below.
What does it cost?
There is no cost. Also, for now we do not ask for donations. As needs change, we may ask for voluntary support; and events such as retreats may have external costs. But our core practice offerings and teaching will always be available freely, just as the historical Buddha freely offered the teachings.
The Practice
Are specific beliefs required?
No. Zen is about awakening to the present moment, not about beliefs. Zen is compatible with other belief systems. At the same time, Zen is also one form of Buddhism and many Zen practitioners engage with the larger body of Buddhist teachings.
How do I practice?
Zen practice combines several elements, especially silent practice. At the core, only two things are required: show up and practice sincerely. Beyond that, you can find practical details on our page About Zen.
What about home practice?
We strongly encourage practice at home in addition to group practice. Group practice is invigorating and makes it easier to sustain practice over longer periods of time. For home practice, we recommend regular daily practice sessions that are shorter in duration than group practice. At home, start with 5 minutes, then increase to 10 minutes, then 15 minutes, and so forth, as you become comfortable.
Do I need a sitting mat and cushion?
For details about practice, see our page About Zen.
How do I know whether Zen is right for me?
Our best advice is to try it and see! We also suggest trying other styles of meditation. Some people prefer one style, one community, one teacher, or one location — or alternatively they find that a practice other than meditation suits them better. Zen can be mentally rigorous and is not for everyone; you find out by trying it.
The Teaching
Who is the Zen teacher? What is your teaching lineage?
Our guiding teacher is Chris Chapman, a Zen teacher and psychologist with a three decade career in technology roles. He received Inka (teaching authority) from Zen Master Jeong Ji Anita Feng in 2023 in the Golden Wind Zen lineage. For more, see About Us.
Do you offer koan training, retreats, and private meetings with the teacher?
We plan to offer these as our group grows. Please contact the guiding teacher anytime for individual questions about practice.
Ethics and Code of Conduct
What is your code of conduct?
Briefly: Show up and practice sincerely! And do not harm the practice of others. For more, see the Ethics statement below or discuss questions with the teacher.
What are your ethical requirements for students and teachers?
We recognize that spiritual leaders of all lineages have fallen into ethical transgressions. At Tech Community Zen, we are a safe space for everyone to practice sincerely. We do not tolerate discrimination, unethical conduct, or harassment of any kind. Our Ethics policy is based on a model from the Soto Zen Buddhist Association (SZBA). Tech Community Zen is a different lineage than the SZBA but we value its example for the larger Zen community. Our Ethics statement is:
As Zen teachers and practitioners, we commit to living an ethical life. Central to our vows and practice are sincere efforts to provide a safe, stable, and ethically upright Zen environment for all members, Zen students, and visitors. This includes working to mitigate and eliminate barriers based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, political beliefs, socioeconomic class, sexual orientation, age, and ability or disability.
We promote integrity, competence, and respect for the dignity of all persons, as well as collegiality among our members. We serve all qualified persons without discrimination. We recognize the equality of women, men, nonbinary, black, indigenous, all people of color, and LGBTQ+ people, and work to ensure their full participation in our community, leadership, and programs. We hold ourselves and our members accountable for ethical behavior and competence. We do not tolerate inappropriate relationships or harassment of any kind, including those based on differential power, whether sexual or otherwise, nor do we tolerate any ethical violations that threaten or cause harm between any members or teachers.
We additionally adhere to the Ethics Guidelines and policies of the Golden Wind Zen Order.
Miscellaneous Credits
Roshi Joan Halifax Caligraphy of the Enso (Zen circle) used as the Tech Community Zen web icon (favicon). Photo of artwork in a personal collection.
Tech Community Zen Other photographs on the site were taken in travels by the guiding teacher.