Jizô Zendo

A steady seat in Cuenca's weekly rhythm

Ecuador Cuenca Zen donation

Wednesday evenings give Jizô Zendo in Cuenca a clear point of entry into regular zazen: the weekly sitting runs from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monthly practice expands into a Zazenkai on the third Saturday of each month, while an annual Sesshin is held in summer, usually around the second or third weekend of July. The cadence suits someone who wants a recurring evening sit as well as occasional longer practice, without requiring a full retreat commitment for every visit. The zendo is at Av. Tarquino Cordero y Cornelio Crespo in Sector Misicata. Gatherings run by donation, making the financial arrangement flexible rather than tied to a stated fee. Retreat dates and practical details for attending a Sesshin are best confirmed with the host before planning a trip. This is a compact, steady calendar rather than a daily residential retreat program.

Highlights

A one-hour zazen sitting every Wednesday evening
Monthly Zazenkai on the third Saturday
An annual summer Sesshin around the second or third weekend of July

Good for

zazen practitionerspeople building a weekly meditation routinevisitors looking for a short evening sittingretreat participants

Setting

The zendo is in Sector Misicata, within Cuenca's Andean urban setting. Its calendar centers on regular gatherings rather than a residential retreat stay, so visitors can join a sitting while spending the rest of their time in the city.

The practice

Zazen is seated meditation, practiced here in a weekly one-hour Wednesday session. The calendar also includes a monthly Zazenkai and a summer Sesshin for a more extended period of practice. If you are new to sitting, ask the host what guidance is offered and whether you should bring a cushion.

A typical day

There is no daily residential schedule described. The regular weekly gathering is Wednesday from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.; the monthly Zazenkai and summer Sesshin have separate schedules, so confirm their timings before attending.

Accommodation

Overnight accommodation is not described. Ask the host about lodging options if you plan to attend a longer Sesshin.

What to bring

Wear comfortable clothing for seated meditation and bring layers, since Cuenca's average annual temperature is 13.3°C and July through September are cooler. February, March and April are wetter, so a light rain layer can be useful during those months.

Email [email protected]

Address Av. Tarquino Cordero y Cornelio Crespo. Sector Misicata

How to get there

Use Av. Tarquino Cordero y Cornelio Crespo, Sector Misicata, Cuenca, as your destination. Confirm the exact meeting point with the host before setting out.

Nearest airport: Mariscal Lamar Airport (CUE) (2 km)

Mariscal Lamar Airport (CUE) is approximately 2 km from the center. A taxi is a practical option for the short trip.

Nearest city: Cuenca

Pricing

Gatherings run by donation, with no fixed fee stated.

Climate

Climate Zone: Temperate

Best Months: Dec, Aug, Jul

Avoid: Feb, Apr, Mar

Cuenca has a mild, cool climate, averaging 13.3°C annually. July through September are the coolest months; February through April are among the wettest, while July, August and December are drier.

Location

Frequently asked questions

When are the regular meditation sessions?

Zazen meets every Wednesday from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. A Zazenkai is held on the third Saturday of each month.

Can beginners attend a sitting?

The sessions are centered on zazen, but beginner guidance is not described. Ask the host whether newcomers are welcome and what instruction is provided.

How do I arrange a visit or reserve a place?

Confirm attendance and current dates directly with the center before going.

What should I bring to practice?

Wear comfortable layers for seated practice. Ask whether cushions are available or whether you should bring your own.

How long is the summer Sesshin?

It takes place around the second or third weekend of July, but its duration varies or is not stated. Confirm the dates and length with the host.