To Shine One Corner of the World

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Founded in 1990, the Detroit Zen Center is a full time, inner-city center and community.  We are located in the center of Detroit, in a heavily urban, diverse 2.5 square mile City-district called Hamtramck.  Monastics & resident students live on-site.

Zen practice is an effort to open & foster a shift in our consciousness & lifestyle.  It is a return to a natural, joyful state where we no longer choose to consume beyond our basic needs. Zen students take care of themselves, one another, the planet -- all things in this world-- & develop the courage to make the changes they choose to make in their lives, for the happiness and well-being of themselves and the world.

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As an organization, the Detroit Zen Center aims to model sustainable community in the center of Hamtramck & Detroit.  Our Abbot and founder is Hwalson Sunim.  Resident monks, students & volunteers have devoted 30 years to shining this corner of the world.  We offer a daily schedule of meditation, apprenticeship, volunteer projects, retreats, Templestay, a public green roof, reclaimed gardens, & plant-based meals & service.  

The Center's mission is to provide a place for the practice of Zen, Meditation & a Community.   We work to support what is good for all beings, to 'shine one corner of the world'. Our work to stabilize & model sustainability in our neighborhood reflects Zen philosophy.  Our City Center is the heart of our work, while we also have a Retreat Center in the mountains of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

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Membership is open to the public.  Members ensure our survival.  While there are no attendance requirements, members have access to a daily schedule of meditation, monthly retreats, apprenticeship, dharma stewardship & more.  We offer a 2 week trial membership at no cost.  Beyond that, a suggested monthly donation begins at $30/month.  Membership benefits & details HERE.
 

Members may also become formal students of the monastic teachers.  Please inquire for more information.

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For the public we offer meditation instruction, Templestay, retreats, plant based meals, a green-roof, rain garden & tea house.  Most of our offerings for the public are on hold due to Covid.  

A good place to start is to register for a ZOOM Tuesday Beginner's Meditation & talk.  Please contact us if you have Tuesday night obligations, or REGISTER HERE.

Covid-19:  We have a limited in-person schedule for members, and public ZOOM meditations.  Covid precautions &  SCHEDULE HERE.

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