Helena's Open Circle Sangha meditation group is hosting a two-week practice period from March 30 to April 13.

This is an opportunity for those new to meditation to learn and practice with an experienced teacher, as well as for those with more experience to deepen their meditation practice.

Although it is a Zen format, all are welcome. Daily periods of meditation and weekly classes are offered before and after work hours to allow participants to attend without disruption to daily work routines.

Participants can commit to the full two weeks, or come as schedules allow. A weekend retreat will conclude the practice period.

Layla Smith, an ordained Zen priest from the San Francisco Zen Center, will be leading the practice period. She was ordained by Shunryu Suzuki-roshi (author of "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind") in 1973, and has over 20 years experience teaching and leading retreats.

Smith was born and raised in Cut Bank.

For more information, contact David Cooper at 442-4344.