"To engage wholeheartedly in the activity of the present moment, is at the heart of Zen practice. 

It is within "just this" ordinary living that we experience true self, and realize freedom".

 --Hwalson Sunim, Abbot
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Zen is a philosophical practice, rooted in direct experience.  Zen as a tradition was born in ancient China.  The mingling of many influences, including Taoism, Art, poetry, wars, and Buddhism gave birth to the Zen tradition, with its monasteries, hermitages, teachers, teachings & multitude of practitioners that have spread across the globe. 

 

Zen may be described as a way to heal our divided self, by seeing into our True Nature, which is unified, not divided.  Zen study traditionally involves making time to study with monks and/or teachers, by way of retreats and/or residential training. 

 

Zen practice goes beyond silent, seated meditation. Zen teachers, friends & communities offer a chance to support each other.

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The natural world is the foundation of & inspiration for zen practice.  Traditional zen communities & centers often exist in or near the mountains or wilderness.  But people in cities can practice zen, too.  

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At the Detroit Zen Center we are a community with varying backgrounds. Students live on or off site and follow a schedule of practice, while patrons and residents have full access but no obligations to the schedule.  
 

 

The Detroit Zen Center opened in 1990 as a spiritual branch of Sudeok-sa Temple (South Korea).  Our founder Hwalson Sunim is a Zen monk from Detroit who was asked to open a Zen Center by his teacher Wondam.  He chose to do so in his hometown.  We are a 501c3 non-profit organization.  Our monastics spend half the year in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan -- at Cloud Mountain Hermitage.
 

Our mission is to offer relevant & holistic opportunities for zen practice that reflect the spirit of our tradition & lineage.  We also aim to model sustainable community & steward our buildings, gardens & neighborhood.     

 

 A good place to start is to register for a Sunday morning Newcomer's Session, as a Zenstay guest, or to attend a public talk, class or retreat.