Going to a Soto Zen dojo, is there anything I should know beforehand?

[wwvb]

I'm going to go to a beginner's course to Zen that's being held at a Soto Zen dojo with my cousin. What are the proper ethics to be held, and how should the teacher be referred as?

Thank you!

P.S.: My cousin doesn't know a lot about Buddhism - especially zen - and wants to learn a bit before attending, and I don't want to teach him wrong things. Are there any beginner introductions accessible on the internet?

[Knotty Veneer]

I think it all depends on the group itself. Ask when you get there. I'm sure someone will help you out. You won't be the first newbie they've had.

[Genjo Conan]

Specific forms will differ depending on the temple; if you're going to a beginner's session, they should explain the forms to you when you get there.

General stuff should be pretty commonsense, i.e. dress conservatively (no shorts/skirts, wear dark colors), keep your voices low, etc.

[narhwal90]

A few years ago I attended a Rinzai center's beginners meeting- it consisted of a short lecture of the school's history, how to sit and some theory, then a short meditation session, followed by walking meditation, then tea and conversation. If this is a beginners meeting then you'll be instructed as to bows, prostrations and similar. If attending a regular meeting as a newcomer, it might be good to state that and folks will surely help.

[master of puppets]

respect!

[seeker242]

Beginner course typically tells you everything you need to know during the course. All you really need to know before you get there is don’t wear your shoes inside.