Our Programs
We offer a variety of meditation and practice opportunities throughout the year. Please visit our schedule for specifics on dates and times for our upcoming events.
Weekly Zazen at our Zendo
We meet for zazen (zen meditation) at several times during the week at our temple. All are welcome. If you have not practiced Buddhist meditation before, please attend a meditation instruction on Sunday morning at 8:45 am. This instruction is required before attending our meditation events. If you can not come on Sunday please contact us for alternate times.
Monday Evening Zazen and Dharma Talk
Monday evenings we sit one thirty five minute period of zen meditation and then conduct a brief service in the Soto Zen style which includes the chanting of traditional Zen texts. A Dharma talk and group discussion follows.
Wednesday Morning Zazen
Wednesday mornings we meet for one period of zen meditation followed by an optional short service with chanting.
Thursday Evening Zazen
Thursday evenings we have two forty minute periods of zen meditation with walking meditation in between. It is fine to attend one or both of the sitting periods. On some Thursday evenings we host special events instead of zen meditation, so please consult our schedule for details.
Sunday Morning Zazen, Meditation Instruction, and Dharma Talk
Sunday mornings start with meditation instruction at 8:45 am for people without prior Buddhist meditation experience. Please note that there will be no meditation instruction on Sundays when we have special sittings. Please consult the schedule for details. We then have a period of zen meditation at 9:30 am, followed by a Dharma talk and discussion at 10:15 am. The Dharma talk is always open to the public (even when there is a special meditation event).
Meditation and Recovery Program
Our Meditation and Recovery program occurs every Tuesday, 7:15 - 8:30 pm. This weekly meeting will feature sitting and discussion, to assist those in recovery from addictive substances and behavior patterns. For information contact Dawn via [email protected]. Everyone is Welcome, regardless of prior experience in meditation; No pre-registration required and any donation will be accepted.
Weekly Zazen in Hyde Park
In addition to our programs at our temple on Chicago's north side, we offer zen meditation on Wednesdays in beautiful Rockefeller Chapel on the University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park. Meditation begins at 5:30 pm and meditation instruction is available at 5:00 pm for those who are new to the practice. This practice opportunity is offered in partnership with Rockefeller Chapel's Spiritual Life Office.
Sesshin
We offer half, one, and three day sesshins (meditation retreats). Sesshins include multiple periods of zen meditation with walking meditation in-between and Dharma talks. Dokusan (individual practice discussion with Taigen) is available for one-day or longer sittings. Our sesshins also include optional Oryoki.
Seminars and Classes
Ancient Dragon Zen Gate sponsors seminars and classes given by Taigen and other teachers. Topics and times vary by event.