Working to Shine our 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 highly urban, diverse 2.5 square mile City-district Hamtramck.  Zen monks & students live on-site.

Zen practice & training aims to dissolve our individual self-centered consciousness and habits into a mind and way of life that expresses an inter-connection with all things.  Supporting students in this aim is our main purpose.

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As an organization, we also model sustainable community & practices.  Our Abbot and founder Hwalson Sunim, along with resident monks, students & volunteers, have devoted 30 years to shining this corner of the world.  We offer a daily schedule of zen meditation, as well as apprenticeship, zen courses, volunteer days, retreats, Templestay, a public green roof, reclaimed gardens, & plant-based meals & service.  

 

In addition to our City Center, we have a Retreat Center in the Porcupine Mountains of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

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The Community:  
 

Membership is open to the public.  Members keep the Zen Center afloat, with no attendance requirements, but with access to the daily schedule of practice & events. We suggest a 2 week trial membership for those exploring, then a suggested minimum monthly donation of $30/month.  Become a member, membership benefits & details HERE.
 

Apprenticeship (formal study) with the Abbot & Vice-Abbot who are Zen monks is available.  The first step is membership.  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.  A good place to start is an introductory session on Sunday morning or Tuesday evening.

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