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

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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 May 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, June 16, 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

4 Day Sesshin in Schaumburg Illinois

Thursday, June 20, 2019 - 7:00pm to Sunday, June 23, 2019 - 12:00pm

Join us for a 3 day Zen Meditation retreat in Schaumbur, Illinois. A Zen seshin offers a marvelous opportunity to deepen your Zen practice. While we encourage you to attend the entire retreat, we welcome you to attend as long as your schedule allows.

Meals & sleeping space are provided. Please let us know of any dietary restrictions you might have.

Donation: $100

We can offer transportation from Evanston to Schaumburg on Thursday @ 5:30PM

1 Day Meditation Retreat in Evanston

Saturday, July 6, 2019 - 12:00pm to 10:30pm

Please join us for a 1 day Zen meditation retreat in Evanston. All are welcome. Suggested donation is $50.00 for the entire day. For more information:

The standard schedule for a one-day sesshin is as follows [Evanston]:

4 Day Meditation Retreat in Schaumburg, IL

Thursday, July 18, 2019 - 7:00pm to Sunday, July 21, 2019 - 12:00pm

Please join us for a 4 day Zen meditation retreat / sesshin in Schaumburg, IL.

Introduction to Zen Meditation Workshop

Sunday, July 21, 2019 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm

1 Day Meditation Retreat in Evanston

Saturday, August 3, 2019 - 12:30pm to 10:30pm

Please join us for a 1 day Zen meditation retreat in Evanston. All are welcome. Suggested donation is $50.00 for the entire day. For more information:

The standard schedule for a one-day sesshin is as follows [Evanston]: