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 optional.
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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23
sep
Haiku Workshop
Read moreParticipants will gain an understanding of the interaction between spiritual practice and poetry and learn the basic elements of composing haiku.
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30
sep
Festive Indian Cooking Course
Read moreLearn how to prepare a delicious and authentic vegetarian Indian meal in the Vermont Zen Center’s spacious kitchen.
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1
oct
Bodhidharma Day Ceremony
Read moreOn this day we honor our great ancestor, Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen. Following a short period of zazen, we will have a chanting service with circumambulation and incense offerings.
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13
oct
5-Day Jataka Sesshin
Read moreThe Zen Center is closed for a five-day sesshin with guest teacher Roshi Rafe Martin. Teishos at this sesshin will be focused on the Jataka tales.
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15
oct
Memorial Service for Schoel Shuster
Read moreThe third year memorial for beloved Sangha member Schoel Shuster.
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21
oct
Introduction to Zen Workshop
Read moreIntroductory Workshop on Zen led by Roshi Graef and senior students.
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29
oct
Hungry Ghost Ceremony
Read moreA special ceremony for the liberation of all beings in the realm of pretas. Children are especially welcome!
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