Ka Shin Zendo Genzo-Ji

Ka Shin is a small, group-​run zendo currently located in a converted in-​law apartment in Chevy Chase. Driving by, one wouldn’t even know it was there. There are no residents at Ka-​Shin; the entire operation is run by a small group of dedicated volunteers.
I attended the now-​defunct Sunday service with fluctuating regularity for a few years. I attended one two day retreat led by Rev. Jiro Andy Afable.
The zendo entry is small, with space for shoes and coats, a small bookshelf, and a donation jar. The meditation space is an L-​shaped carpeted room with the altar at the foot of the L. Wear clothes for those cold winter mornings as there isn’t much insulation.
Once a month there is an ‘Intro to Meditation’ class which is required for beginners. Sittings are multiple periods of 30 or 40 minutes (depending on the day) with walking meditation in between. Afterwards there is a small tea service and optional discussion.
Ka-​Shin was my introduction into Buddhism, Zen, and disciplined meditation. It’s a small, long-​running zendo without many resources, which in many ways makes it quite a special place. The sangha is genuinely dedicated to practicing zen without any pretense or materialistic frills. My only criticism is I felt some of the members took themselves a little too seriously at times. Regardless, I find it’s the best overall place for zen meditation in the Washington DC area.