Home

A collection of audio talks by our late abbot Kongo Langlois, Roshi is now available at Northwestern University Libraries

===========================================================

Since 1949, the Zen Buddhist Temple of Chicago has helped people work to realize their inherent wisdom and compassion through Zen meditation and Dharma teachings. We rely exclusively on your generosity to continue. If your circumstances permit, please donate. We have also recently enrolled in a program with Amazon wherein a portion of your purchase will be donated to us - Amazon Smile -

Our August 2019 Newsletter is now available

Zen Meditation Services

Our services at the Zen Buddhist Temple of Chicago are open to all. Newcomers and beginners are always welcome. Instruction in Zen meditation is offered at each service. Please join us for one of our regular Meditation Services.

Zazen services are held three times weekly:

Sunday 10AM - Noon
Sunday 2PM - 4PM
Wednesday 7PM - 9PM

We are located at 608 Dempster St in Evanston, IL.

The Zen Buddhist Temple of Chicago is a Soto Zen Temple dedicated to helping practitioners realize their true nature through Zazen, seated meditation.

Zen Buddhists hold that all living beings are pure Buddha nature that seems to be obscured by the workings of the discursive mind, fueled by the pressures of modern life. Through daily practice of seated meditation, we allow the discursive mind to settle, and let this true nature be expressed in our daily life.

Buddhism is non-theistic. The historical Buddha is not worshipped as a deity, but rather serves as an example of the realization that is expressed through our Zazen practice. Practitioners of other faiths may cultivate themselves through Zazen, supplementing their existing spiritual practice.

Upcoming Event Spotlight

Introduction to Zen Meditation Workshop

Sunday, November 17, 2019 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm

While we welcome newcomers to all of our regular Zen Meditation services, once every month [typically the 3rd Sunday] we offer an "Introduction to Zen Meditation Workshop" for those who prefer a more structured introduction to our meditation practice. Zen Meditation Practice permits an understanding and realization of the deeper and more subtle aspects of our lives and points toward a compassionate and more confident way of living.

Upcoming Events

Introduction to Zen Meditation Workshop

Sunday, November 17, 2019 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm

One Day Zen Meditation Retreat in Evanston

Saturday, December 7, 2019 - 12:30pm to 10:30pm

Please join us for our monthly 1 day Zen meditation retreat. Please note that beginning in July we will be starting our monthly Saturday retreats at 12:30PM.

Introduction to Zen Meditation

Sunday, December 15, 2019 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm

While we welcome newcomers at all of our regular services, once a month we offer an introductory service geared specifically for people who would like a more structured introduction to our practice all are welcome.

As our space is somewhat limited we recommend registering in advance.

Please register here.

Four Day Zen Meditation Retreat / Sesshin in Schaumburg, IL

Thursday, January 2, 2020 - 7:00pm to Sunday, January 5, 2020 - 12:00pm

Please join us for a 4 day sesshin in Schaumburg, IL. This presents an excellent opportunity to extend your Zen practice. All are welcome.

Meals and a sleeping space are provided - please bring a sleeping bag / bed roll. A donation of $100 is suggested to cover the costs involved.

Please contact us for details and directions.