Welcome to Wren Zen Meditation

Welcome to Wren Zen! Wren Zen is a Western lay Buddhist practice and multicultural community in Woodley Park, Washington, DC. Offering space and guidance for silent meditation and an opportunity for people to simple slow down, be with themselves, and pay attention on what one experiences while sitting together with fellow meditators. Participation is open to all.

"Zazen is not learning to do concentration. It is the dharma gate of ease and joy."
Mestre Zen Dogen

Why “Wren” Zen? Wren Zen is named after the wren bird, simple in name, yet full of heartfelt, singing energy. Wrens are native to the Americas, found throughout North and South America. While House Wrens migrate during the winter, Carolina Wrens do not. Their scientific name is Troglodytidae. In Spanish, they are known as reyezuelo, and in Portuguese, carriça.

Naming our group after a bird is also a reminder of our deep connection to nature. It reflects a commitment to protecting forests, preserving biodiversity, honoring Indigenous peoples who live in and along the forests and rivers, and treating one another with wisdom, gentleness, and compassion.

Who are we?

ABOUT US

OUR COMMUNITY

Wren Zen is an ongoing process of construction and deconstruction, a living practice that evolves in response to changes in the world and within ourselves. We welcome people of all cultures, backgrounds, identities, beliefs, ages, abilities, and social classes who are able to engage respectfully and follow the shared guidelines for meditation practice.

No prior meditation experience is necessary, newcomers are always welcome. We simply ask that everyone arrives on time to help maintain a quiet and focused environment for all.

Wren Zen is a community rooted in the Soto Zen tradition. Meditation sessions are led by Adriana Couto Silva, a Zen practitioner with over 15 years of experience, who also serves as jikido, the person responsible for maintaining the space and rhythm of the meditation session.

Adriana began her Zen practice with Sughen Roshi at Zen Mountain Monastery in New York and later studied with Barry Magid at Ordinary Mind Zendo, also in New York. In the Soto Zen tradition, we emphasize shikantaza (just sitting), the realization of non-duality, integrating daily life as practice, honoring ritual and form, and recognizing the importance of lineage and community.

OUR LINEAGE

We strive to offer a respectful and welcoming space for meditation to all. Currently, Wren Zen can accommodate up to four people for in-person meditation at Adriana’s office in Woodley Park.

We provide a variety of seating options, including meditation cushions, seiza benches, and chairs, to support each meditator’s comfort and stability based on their physical needs. During meditation, it is important to maintain a posture of stillness that facilitates a connection with both the breath and the body-mind as a whole.