Soto Zen Buddhist Meditation in Chicago
Ancient Dragon Zen Gate is a community of engaged buddhist practitioners committed to Soto Zen meditation practice in the tradition of Shunryu Suzuki-roshi and is a Branching Stream of San Francisco Zen Center. Our meditation practice, zazen, is cultivated for the benefit of all life and our great earth.
We endeavour to create a welcoming practice community in Chicago and online that is a refuge and support for showing up in our lives with the awakened awareness and creative vitality that flow from zen meditation.
COME SIT WITH US!
Everyone is welcome to attend any of our in-person, online, and hybrid regular meditation practice events.
To get acquainted, you are warmly invited to request personal meditation instruction and temple orientation, or drop in for zazen.
Featured Events
THREE DAY SPRING SESSHIN WITH HOGETSU (Hybrid)
Friday, May 16 – Sunday, May 18, 2025
Registration CLOSED
See calendar for schedule changes due to sesshin.
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SUNDAY MORNING ZAZEN AND DHARMA TALK WITH HOGETSU LAURIE BELZER
Sunday May 18, 2025 @ 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM (hybrid)
Sunday Morning Public Program at Lincoln Square Zendo and in our online Zendo via ZOOM.
We’ll be in sesshin – so there will be no temple cleaning or tea today.
Dharma Inquiry Ceremony with Shuso Paula Lazarz
Sunday May 18, 2025 @ 2:15 PM – 4:00 pm (hybrid)
Please attend online unless you are enrolled in the practice commitment period, sesshin participant, or ceremony invitee.
Shuso Reception
Sunday May 18, 2025 @ 4:30 PM – 6:00 pm(onsite)
The ADZG sangha is invited to a temple garden reception for the shuso.
Latest Dharma Podcast Episode
Practicing with Joko Beck in the 1990s
ADZG 1240 ADZG Monday Night Dharma Talk by Brian Taylor
Featured News
SANGHA MEETING (Hybrid)
Sunday June 1, 2025 @ 10:15a
The dragon community will meet in the zendo after 9:30 am zazen.
Let’s consider our path forward.
2025 SPRING PRACTICE COMMITMENT PERIOD
Led by Guiding Teacher, Hogetsu Laurie Belzer
COMPASSION’S WAY: THE DHARMA OF 3 AMERICAN ZEN ANCESTORS
Sunday March 23, 2025 – Sunday May 18, 2025 (Hybrid)
Registration Closed
Our 8 weeks of intensive zen practice is underway! Ancient Dragon’s annual householder practice period is focusing on the dharma of modern American zen teachers, Joko Beck, Darlene Cohen, and Blanche Hartman. Participants are following practice schedules that work with their life circumstances, yet enhance their commitment to zazen, dharma study, and sangha practice.
TAIGEN DAN LEIGHTON’S CONTINUED TEACHING
Our guiding teacher emeritus, Taigen Dan Leighton, continues to offer his dharma widely. See the Taigen’s Seminars page for an updated list of seminars offered at Ancient Dragon and elsewhere. Click here to visit Taigen’s website, containing a rich library of his offerings.
ANCIENT DRAGON PUBLIC HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS
Respiratory virus season is upon us!! If you think you are ill or have a recent exposure, please attend online. In the zendo, we will be opening windows, so please dress in layers and follow CDC protocol in this infographic (click to enlarge). Also, please see our public health recommendations here compiled by sangha member Chris Cadman as part of our Sangha Care Committee.
