Rochester Zen Center
The Rochester Zen Center is in the Park Avenue neighborhood of Rochester, New York, and it's a significant place for Zen Buddhism in the United States. It was started in 1966 by Roshi Philip Kapleau, who learned from Zen masters in Japan. The center has played a vital role in introducing and supporting the practice of Zen Buddhism in the Western world. They combine teachings from both Rinzai and Soto Zen traditions.
The center's physical space includes a meditation hall, living rooms, and community gathering areas. It's a lively place for people interested in Zen. The center focuses on Zen meditation, zazen, and mindfulness practices. They have regular meditation sessions that welcome both experienced practitioners and beginners. The center is open to anyone curious about Zen and offers introductory workshops and programs.
The Rochester Zen Center organizes residential retreats and workshops. These events provide a profound experience for participants to enhance their meditation practice and incorporate mindfulness into their lives. The withdrawals usually include silent meditation, teachings about Zen principles (Dharma talks), and group activities that create a sense of shared practice.
The Rochester Zen Center actively reaches out to the community and runs educational programs. They aim to bring Zen principles into everyday life and share the benefits of mindfulness beyond formal meditation. Following the tradition of passing down teachings from teacher to student, successive leaders have taken over after Roshi Philip Kapleau.
Dharma talks, discussions, and study groups are essential to the center's offerings. These sessions explore Buddhist teachings, discussing how they relate to and can be applied daily. The center also highlights integrating Zen principles into art and culture, organizing events that showcase Zen-inspired skills and performances.
Detailed information:
- Address: 7 Arnold Park, Rochester, NY 14607, United States
- Phone: +1 585-473-9180
- Website: https://www.rzc.org/
