Steeped in the Zen tradition, meditation’s heart lies in direct experience rather than dogma. Going it alone isn’t unheard of—many practitioners have hit the ground running with little more than posture, breath awareness, and a few online sitting guides. In the digital age, apps and YouTube channels offer video instruction, while virtual sanghas on Zoom let seekers sit together from Tokyo to Toronto. Yet without a seasoned teacher’s gentle corrections, it’s easy to develop unhelpful habits: tensing the jaw, drifting off into daydreams, or mistaking rest for real insight.

A teacher doesn’t only point out ideal posture; they spot the subtle twists in understanding that lead the mind astray. Imagine trying to learn karate moves purely from Instagram clips—form matters. Likewise, a skilled Roshi or sensei can answer those “Aha!” moments that self-study can’t quite resolve. Even so, a self-guided path can bear fruit if taken with humility and consistency. Journaling sits and noting how thoughts or sensations arise creates a mirror that reveals hidden patterns.

For anyone without access to a dojo or monastery, occasional retreats—online or in-person—serve as checkpoints. Programs like those at Plum Village or San Francisco Zen Center often livestream sesshins, blending tradition with modern accessibility. Podcasts, too, have become a boon: Dan Harris’s conversations on mindfulness may not be pure Zen, but they spark curiosity and accountability.

Bottom line: flying solo in Zen meditation is possible, especially if curiosity turns into dedication. Still, weaving in periodic teacher-led guidance keeps practice honest and deepens insights. Otherwise, the risk of spinning one’s wheels grows faster than a bamboo shoot in spring.