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.
Our Year End Annual Appeal Extended to January 31, 2025!
We are getting closer to reaching our $40,000 goal — Click the Donate button to help us meet our goal by January 31, 2025!
Featured Events
ONE-DAY SITTING WITH HOGETSU LAURIE BELZER – Sunday January 26, 2025 @ 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
One-day sitting led by our guiding teacher, Hogetsu Laurie Belzer. Attendance is hybrid: in-person at our Lincoln Square Zendo and online in our Online Zendo with partial attendance welcome.
$75.00 suggested donation and attendance is welcome to all.
SUNDAY MORNING ZAZEN AND DHARMA TALK WITH HOGETSU LAURIE BELZER – Sunday January 26, 2025 @ 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Modified Sunday Morning Public Program at Lincoln Square Zendo and in our online Zendo via ZOOM.
NOTE: Public is welcome during our one day sesshiin for zazen and dharma talk.
SEMINAR BY TAIGEN DAN LEIGHTON: DONGSHAN’S SONG OF THE JEWEL MIRROR SAMADHI – Saturday February 8, 2025 @ 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Online Seminar taught by Ancient Dragon Zen Gate emeritus guiding teacher Taigen Dan Leighton. We will discuss the “Song of the Jewel Mirror Samadhi” (Hokyo Zammai) by Dongshan Liangjie.
Latest Dharma Podcast Episode
Remembering Abbot Hozan Alan Senauke
ADZG 1220 ADZG Monday Night Dharma Talk by Taigen Dan Leighton
Featured News
LOS ANGELES WILDFIRE AID
The daughter of our sangha priest, Gyoshin Laurel Ross and many dear dragon friends and sangha live in LA with their safety and well being threatened by the wildfires. The truth of our interbeing is clear and our hearts are with those struggling in Los Angeles at this time. Here are two resources recommended by Gyoshin:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wnjirUcgYcqAOoTQ2me2X1m4Ejyszi6sfdUZR5jKdYQ/edit?usp=sharing
The above list mostly focuses on consolidating links to independent fundraising efforts by individuals and families, in support of those who have experienced a total loss this week. There are countless other ways to support or donate, one particularly good source is Mutual Aid LA. bit.ly/malan-fire
TAIGEN DAN LEIGHTON’S CONTINUED TEACHING
Our guiding teacher emeritus, Taigen Dan Leighton, continues to offer his dharma in many offerings. See the Taigen’s Seminars page for an updated list of seminars offered at Ancient Dragon and elsewhere. As well, click here to visit Taigen’s website, containing a rich library of his offerings.
New Group: ZEN CREATIVES – biweekly on Thursdays 7-8:30 pm (Online)
Beginning Thursday January 30, 2025
If you are interested in exploring your creative work, start or solidify a creative practice with others on a similar path, please consider joining this expedition into finding grounded creativity with
Buddhism. Just show up in the Dragon Online Zendo or contact Anastasia McRae at info@ancientdragon.org
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 COVID recommendations here compiled by sangha member Chris Cadman as part of our Sangha Care Committee.
