Great Plains Zen Center
Our vision is to end suffering by continuously raising the heart of wisdom and compassion.
Our mission is to practice Zen Buddhism as a supportive community, open to all.
Tell us a bit about how your group was concieved
Great Plains Zen Center, originally called Northwest Chicago Zen Group, began in the years after Myoyu Roshi received Dharma Transmission in 1995 from Maezumi Roshi. Our temple name, Myoshinji, means Subtle Mind Temple. It came from Roshi’s Dharma name, Myoyu (Subtle, Mysterious Harmony) and is another way to refer to Great Plains Zen Center. After meeting at various locations throughout the Chicago metro area, the group began to meet regularly at Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church in Palatine IL, a northwest Chicago suburb, for weekly sitting. We have been meeting there ever since. During this time, GPZC rented various retreat facilities for sesshin in Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois.
Great Plains Zen Center, originally called Northwest Chicago Zen Group, began in the years after Myoyu Roshi received Dharma Transmission in 1995 from Maezumi Roshi. Our temple name, Myoshinji, means Subtle Mind Temple. It came from Roshi’s Dharma name, Myoyu (Subtle, Mysterious Harmony) and is another way to refer to Great Plains Zen Center. After meeting at various locations throughout the Chicago metro area, the group began to meet regularly at Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church in Palatine IL, a northwest Chicago suburb, for weekly sitting. We have been meeting there ever since. During this time, GPZC rented various retreat facilities for sesshin in Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois.
Tell us about one exciting project, program, or other offering you are currently working on.
There are many ways to volunteer at Great Plains Zen Center. Work practice is an important part of Zen — being completely present for each activity that we do. Volunteers assist with the care of GPZC’s grounds and gardens during work days and half-day sittings in Monroe. Volunteers come early to help set up and clean prior to retreats and special events.
There are many ways to volunteer at Great Plains Zen Center. Work practice is an important part of Zen — being completely present for each activity that we do. Volunteers assist with the care of GPZC’s grounds and gardens during work days and half-day sittings in Monroe. Volunteers come early to help set up and clean prior to retreats and special events.
For more information: gpzc@greatplainszen.org
Our Website: https://greatplainszen.org/
Great Plains Zen Center -
Monroe, WI
