WELCOME!
The Zen Center is open to members and trial members.
We have Zoom sittings for people who live too far away to attend sittings at the Center. We encourage people to attend via Zoom if they are ill or have recently been exposed to Covid. 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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7
dec
Rohatsu Sesshin
Read moreThe Zen Center is closed for the week of Rohatusu sesshin, commemorating the Buddha's Enlightenment.
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31
dec
New Year's Eve
Read moreOn Tuesday evening, December 31, the Center will celebrate the beginning of the New Year with zazen, resolutions, repentance, chanting, the Precepts, and a prayer for peace.
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12
jan
Kannon Ceremony
Read moreOn this day we pay homage to the Bodhisattva of Compassion with chants, prostrations, and special readings.
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18
jan
Introductory Workshop on Zen
Read moreA half-day introduction to the principles and practices of Zen Buddhism. Led by Roshi Sunyana Graef and her senior students.
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19
jan
Annual Sangha Meeting
Read moreFor members and trial members to discuss finances, the direction of the Center, our 2025 schedule, and many other things.
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1
feb
Haiku Workshop
Read moreJoin us for this popular workshop on Haiku led by Joan White. All are welcome!
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9
feb
Parinirvana Ceremony
Read moreAll are welcome to attend this ceremony commemorating the Buddha's final entry into Nirvana.
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2
mar
Sangha Entertainment Day
Read moreTime to dust off your instruments, loosen the vocal cords, brush up on your Tango—it’s Sangha Entertainment Day and all acts are 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