Zen is about understanding your true self, waking up, and helping others.
Moment-to-moment, keeping the question “what am I?”
WHO WE ARE
We’re a sangha (meditation community) in LA. We practice formal Zen but don’t worry, we’re not super strict.
We practice a form of Zen that came to Korea via China, via India, back to Buddha. Our teachers have done years of formal training. We’re relaxed but dedicated. We’re all people who all looking to make sense of it all. Newcomers, you can check out our how to meditate guide. Saturdays and Sundays are good days to start but we have practice at the center daily.
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PRACTICE WITH US
Meditation Schedule
Since the schedule varies slightly week-to-week, it’s best to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Except for retreats, all programs are free/donation-based. A donation of $5 (or $25 for the entire month) is most common—don’t worry if it’s your first time. A good day for beginners to start off is Saturday or Sunday.
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We have morning and evening practice at the center Monday-Friday with a few caveats.
Every Morning. We have bowing at 5:30am, followed by chanting and meditation from 6-6:50am. The program is open to the public. If it’s your first time, we suggest you show up 5 minutes early. Feel free to email us.
Evenings. We have chanting from 6:30-7:30pm and sitting from 7:30-8:00pm with the following notes:
On Wednesday, we have an additional 2 rounds of sitting, ending around 9:15pm.
On the third Wednesday of the month we have kong-an interviews with Tim Colohan, JDPSN.
No practice Friday night
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Our typical Saturday schedule and exceptions are as follows:
10:00 am Garden Sitting at DZC. We have 2 rounds of 30-minute sitting in our garden and 10 minutes of walking meditation in between. Bring a friend if you’d like! Great for beginners. Stay as long as you want. Note: garden sitting is cancelled on retreat weekends, the third Saturday of the month.
4:00 pm Sitting and Talk (Zoom only). Short sitting followed by a dharma talk and Q&A. We occasionally have workshops as well. Protip: you can ask about anything in the Q&A. A good place to go if you’ve been feeling stressed.
Exception: Retreat Weekends. The third Saturday of every month we have a hybrid retreat. You can learn more about them here. To sign up, just email us.
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Except for retreat weekends, we typically have practice at 10am that lasts until 12ish. Practice involves some combination of meditation, dharma talks, interviews, or circle talks.
Interviews (optional private meetings with our teachers) are the first Saturday and Sunday of the month.
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We have a free Intro to Meditation class the last Sunday of the month at 9:30am at the Zen Center. You can RSVP by emailing us.
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We have retreats at the Zen Center the 3rd Saturday of every month, typically 9:30-4pm. Some months we have longer retreats with guest teachers. For one-day retreats, the cost is $30 for non-KUSZ members, $25 for members, but accommodations are always granted if needed. Retreats are Zoom-friendly and include vegetarian meals in the traditional four bowls style.
Take a dip in the dharma
learning resources
What is Zen?
Dharma Talks
RRRRR! How do I meditate?
Kwan UM Books
DEEPEN your PRACTICE
Retreats WITH DZC
We have retreats the 3rd Saturday of every month, typically 9:30-4pm. Some months we have longer retreats with guest teachers, and we have a retreat center in Tehachapi we use as well. To register, email us. For one-day retreats, the cost is $30 for non-KUSZ members, $25 for members, but accommodations are always granted if needed. Retreats are Zoom-friendly. For the precise schedule, click here.
Keep in touch
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