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Today's Chicago Zen Buddhist Temple building began in 1915 as a Freemason's temple, so as a structure it has come full circle. It's a temple once again. Purchased in 1992 as a rundown Pentecostal church, it took two years of almost-entirely volunteer labor to become the modern building it is. Read more about the early history.

 

Now the temple provides:

1. Public services and meditation courses

2. A community for fellowship and support

3. A seminary, monastery and training center

 

Public services are Sundays at 10 am ($10 suggested donation), plus monthly courses and events. Children's Service is held the first and third Sunday of each month at 10 am. We observe a longer meditation service Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. We have a full schedule of daily and weekly practice, train students and members, and seasonal meetings for the community.

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The temple offers Temple Residency for people who want to spend some time living in the temple to cultivate their practice. The residents participate in temple programs in the mornings and/or evenings while maintaining their job or studies.