Umdze Responsibilities

The Umdze, or Timekeeper, has overall responsibility for each public meditation session. The umdze opens the Center, pays attention to the physical environment (orderliness, temperature, lighting), opens the shrines, leads chants (when appropriate), signals alternating sitting/walking periods, closes the shrines, and locks up. Training is a prerequisite and is provided at no cost. Performing as Umdze is an opportunity to deepen one’s own practice as well as serving the sangha.