WELCOME!
The Zen Center is open to all members and trial members who are not ill and have not recently been exposed to anyone with Covid. Masks are required.
We will continue to have a Zoom option for people unable to meet those requirements. Please send us an email through the contact page if you would like more information.
Schedule
The Zen Center has a schedule of daily sittings, intensive meditation periods, courses, ceremonies, public events, and much more.
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Retreats
A wonderful way to combine quiet time and spiritual inspiration. Enjoy your own natural rhythms in an extraordinary setting.
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Workshops
A practical and authentic introduction to Zen Buddhism. Talks, question periods, demonstrations and meditation.
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Costa Rica
The Casa Zen was founded in 1974 by Roshi Philip Kapleau. Since 1988, Roshi Sunyana Graef has been the spiritual leader of Casa Zen.
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Toronto
The Toronto Zen Centre was founded in 1967 by Roshi Philip Kapleau. Roshi Taigen Henderson, Roshi Graef's Dharma Heir, is the teacher.
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Vermont
The Vermont Zen Center was founded in 1988 by Roshi Sunyana Graef, a Dharma Heir of Roshi Philip Kapleau, author of The Three Pillars of Zen.
SPECIAL CEREMONIES
UPCOMING AT THE CENTER
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10
Feb
Two-Day Retreat
Read moreA two-day retreat will take place at the Zen Center during which time the Center is closed.
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25
Feb
Indian Cooking Course—Chaat
Read moreChaat are the savory-spicy-tangy snack foods enjoyed in India. They are delicious and addictive!
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1
Mar
Lovingkindness Course Begins
Read moreSix-week course in the practice of universal lovingkindness begins tonight.
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4
Mar
Introduction to Zen Workshop
Read moreIntroductory Workshop on Zen led by Roshi Graef and senior students.
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12
Mar
Sangha Entertainment Day
Read moreTime to dust off your instruments and loosen the vocal cords for Sangha Entertainment Day.
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22
apr
7-Day Sesshin
Read moreA seven-day sesshin for serious Zen practitioners. The Zen Center will be closed throughout the week.
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7
may
Roshi Kapleau Memorial All-Day
Read moreAn all-day sitting and special chanting service honoring Roshi Philip Kapleau, Roshi Graef's Zen teacher.
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13
may
Introduction to Zen Workshop
Read moreIntroductory Workshop on Zen led by Roshi Graef and senior students.
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16
may
Famine Relief Ceremony
Read moreFamine Relief Ceremonies are a concrete way to express compassion for those suffering from the deprivations of hunger.
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20
may
Indian Cooking Course—Lunch
Read moreLearn how to prepare a delicious and authentic vegetarian Indian meal in the Vermont Zen Center’s spacious kitchen with Manju Selinger.
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8
jun
Sangha Garden Weekend
Read moreAn opportunity to work together on the grounds, enjoying the beauty of our land with Sangha members.
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18
jun
Jorge Quiros Memorial
Read moreThe seventh and final yearly memorial service will be held during the morning sitting.
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24
jun
Flower Course
Read moreLearn basic Ikebana and flower arranging elements—triangulation, depth, placement, color, container size and materials—practiced at the Zen Center.
From our Ancestors
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The Way is essentially perfect and exists everywhere.
—Zen Ancestor Eihei Dogen -
Meditation in the midst of activity is a thousand times superior to meditation in stillness.
—Zen Ancestor Hakuin Ekakau -
The Great Way is not difficult for those who do not pick and choose.
—Zen Ancestor Seng Ts'an -
From the beginning all beings are Buddha.
—Zen Ancestor Hakuin Ekakau -
Ordinary Mind is the Way.
—Zen Ancestor Nansen Fugan