Events
The Chicago Zen Meditation Community is a Soto Zen Buddhist group led by Rev. Myoshi Thomson. We offer nine meditation opportunities every week that are open to all: Monday evenings, every weekday morning, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, and Saturday mornings. Each meeting is an opportunity to practice zazen (Zen meditation) and many will include a dharma talk and discussion.
Emerging from the worst of the pandemic, we are committed to having hybrid meetings. The in-person meetings take place at 1460 W Chicago Ave (entrance on Greenview) and our meetings are also accessible by Zoom. If you would like to participate, please email us for up-to-date information.
If you are new to Buddhist study and practice, we ask that you participate in zazen instruction before joining a meeting. An email telling us that you would like to schedule an individual instruction would be greatly appreciated. We look forward to sitting with you.
Our COVID Protocols
Seating in our zendo will be spaced to provide a bit more distance. We will ventilate our room with fresh air and we will also use HEPA level filtering.
Occasionally, we may introduce other mitigation measures, such as CO2 monitoring (an indicator of air circulation), mask-wearing or limiting chanting. We will be guided by recommendations from the CDC and prevailing city and state requirements, and we would like to hear from you about what you are comfortable with. Please make any suggestions you feel would be helpful.
Emerging from the worst of the pandemic, we are committed to having hybrid meetings. The in-person meetings take place at 1460 W Chicago Ave (entrance on Greenview) and our meetings are also accessible by Zoom. If you would like to participate, please email us for up-to-date information.
If you are new to Buddhist study and practice, we ask that you participate in zazen instruction before joining a meeting. An email telling us that you would like to schedule an individual instruction would be greatly appreciated. We look forward to sitting with you.
Our COVID Protocols
Seating in our zendo will be spaced to provide a bit more distance. We will ventilate our room with fresh air and we will also use HEPA level filtering.
Occasionally, we may introduce other mitigation measures, such as CO2 monitoring (an indicator of air circulation), mask-wearing or limiting chanting. We will be guided by recommendations from the CDC and prevailing city and state requirements, and we would like to hear from you about what you are comfortable with. Please make any suggestions you feel would be helpful.
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Monday Evening Zazen
When Monday evenings, 7:00 pm to about 8:30 pm Where Hybrid meeting - 1460 W Chicago Ave, Unit 2R (entrance on Greenview) [ Directions ]Details This weekly meeting of zazen, chanting, and dharma talk is open to all. Meditation starts promptly at 7:00 pm. Zazen instruction for newcomers to Buddhist study and practice is recommended before attending, and it is also offered at 7:00 pm Mondays. -
Weekday Morning Zazen
When Weekdays at 8:30 am Where Zoom.us - email for the link [ Directions ]Details We meet every weekday morning at 8:30 for a half hour of zazen. All are welcome; an email about your interest in joining us would be appreciated. -
Sesshin
When Next Sesshin is March 28-30, 2025 Where 1460 W Chicago Ave, Unit 2R (entrance on Greenview) [ Directions ]Details Sesshin is our practice of extended Zazen and mindfulness in all activity. Our practices include sitting and walking meditation, dharma study, and mindful work. Our meals are in the traditional style of Oryoki, taken as part of our activity in the meditation hall.Sesshin begins Friday evening at 7:00 and continues to midday Sunday. Participation is by registration only (email to myoshiATzenchicago.org). If you cannot participate for the whole weekend, discuss your situation with Myoshi - it may be possible to work out a reduced schedule for you.To support us in offering this practice, we ask that everyone make a donation to the sangha. -
Saturday Morning Zazen
When Saturday mornings at 8:00 am Where Hybrid meeting - email for specifics [ Directions ]Details We meet for a half hour of zazen each Saturday morning at 8:00 am.
On most Saturdays, zazen is followed by a meeting of the Dogen Study Group. -
Wednesday Zen Study Group
When Wednesday afternoons, 2:15 pm zazen; discussion 2:45 to 3:30 pm Where Hybrid meeting - email for specifics [ Directions ]Details In these meetings, we study the zen writings of contemporary teachers. Because of its seminar-like nature, this group is best for people who can commit to attending regularly. If you are interested in joining us, please email Myoshi through our Contact page.