Groups



How to start a Celtic Zen Group and the question of hierarchy

All the rules concerning the formation of groups and the degrees are designed to give members immediate freedom to form a group and to practice, on the one hand, and to entrust experienced members with the training and initiation of new Zen Druids, on the other hand, to ensure a sufficient level of quality and experience. Guruism and unnecessary restrictions are not part of the spirit of Celtic Zen.

A Celtic Zen Seed Group can be founded by two members (Mitra), regardless of their level of training. A Celtic Zen Grove can be founded by two initiated Zen Druids. The seed group or grove meditates together and celebrates the annual circle festivals and performs blessings, e.g. for important stages of life.

A Zendo in our lineage can be founded and led by one initiated Zen Druid (Mantri). The Zendo is the community's meditation hall. In Zen Buddhism, the zen-dō is a spiritual dōjō where zazen (sitting meditation) is practised. The place under the Bodhi tree where the Buddha sat and attained enlightenment is called bodhimaṇḍa "place of enlightenment" in Sanskrit. This corresponds to Chinese daochang, Japanese dōjō and Korean dojang. In the Celtic tradition, the place of practice is the Sacred Grove. The goddess Nemetona was regarded by the Celts as the guardian of the Sacred Grove.

Initiation into the role of Zen Druid (Mantri) is by decision of a Council of at least five Zen Druids or by an Archdruid and the founder of the Celtic Zen lineage. A Council of Zen Druids may be freely formed by five members of that degree. Initiation into the degree of Zen Druid requires knowledge and experience in all meditation techniques of the Celtic Zen Map, Druidic culture and the celebration of the Celtic cycle festivals.

An Archdruid may be elected for a region or country where there are at least five Zen Druids.