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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.
Public Services
Sundays 10-11:30 am
Children's Services
Sundays 10-11:30 am
(1st & 3rd Sundays of the month)
Membership Sitting
Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 pm
Sundays 6:30 - 8:00 am
Monday-Friday 6:00-7:10 am
​​Five Thursday evenings​
starts January 16
(6:30 to 8:30 pm)
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Beginner's Zen Retreat
(Friday 7 pm to Sat. noon)
February 7-8
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​​Five Thursday evenings​
starts February 20
(6:30 to 8:30 pm)
*with special guest speaker
translator & author
Red Pine (Bill Porter)
at final class ​​
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One-Day Meditation Retreat
Saturday, February 22
(9 am to 6 pm)
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Special Events
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Lunar New Year Sangha Day
& Potluck
Saturday, February 1st at 6 pm
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