Detroit Zen Center was established in 1990.  We are a US branch of Sudeok-sa -- a major temple in Korea founded in the 6th century CE.  Our founder is Hwalson Sunim, a monk who trained extensively in the US, Canada, and Korea.

Our mission is to provide a place for the practice of Zen and to promote human and ecological stewardship.  Monks and students live on site.  They follow and invite others to join a daily routine of meditation, meals and work projects, featuring organic, local produce, native plants, reclaimed materials, green roofs and a rain garden. 

For the public we offer Guided Zen sessions on Sundays, Intro to Zen Courses, Dharma Talks, guest retreat lodging, gardens, meals & special events.  For students we offer a regular schedule of meditation, apprenticeship and retreats.  Lay or monastic training and ordination is possible.

The Center is supported through the financial and physical work of our monks, members and students, and by public donations.  Living Zen Organics is a business operated by the monks, which features local food access, meals, education and distribution.  We also foster an urban ecological initiative site-wide:  Shine One Corner.  With buildings and grounds that were formerly abandoned, today, the Zen Center models full site composting, recycling, reclamation, green roofs & bioretention (rain) gardens.  Our public 'Peace Garden' is open daily, converted from a vacant lot used to park junked cars.  

To explore, please attend a Sunday Guided Zen session, or another public event on the Calendar page.