Cultivating an awakened world that transforms suffering into compassion and delusion into wisdom

UpComing Programs

SUMMER MEDITATION RETREAT
July 18–20

Blossom into balance with this 3-day mindfulness, meditation retreat. (Hybrid)

ZLMC ANNUAL
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
May 19 @ 10:00 AM

Each year our Sangha community gathers to vote in new members of our board of directors. Meeting will be followed by a potluck in backyard.

Read President Robert Schwoch’s Letter. Click here to read application for becoming a new ZLNC board of director.

SIX PARAMITAS:
Courage and Grace under Fire
June 8 @ 1 PM

Clarify the meaning and purpose of your life through this deep dive into the profound spiritual path of Zen. Learn how living by vow can help you face life’s challenges with more courage and skill.

Key Offerings

SUNDAY MORNING ZEN

Join us and discover the joy of a warm-hearted community. Each morning participate in Zen Buddhist services, group meditation, inspiring dharma talks. The program concludes with a fellowship hour in community room that includes snacks and tea. Program is hybrid

RETREATS

ZLMC offers many meditation retreats each year ranging from one-day, three-day and seven-days. Retreats can be attended online or in-person.

CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

ZLMC offers a wide diversity of classes and workshops focusing on mindfulness, meditation, zen and buddhism

ZEN TRAINING

Become a Zen student and study one-on-one with a fully empowered Zen Master and Priest.

Our Mission

To empower you to live a Zen-inspired life of openness, empathy and clarity.

Get in touch

Become a member

There are different ways to become a member. Join today and help us fulfill our mission, and let us support your practice.

Meet our Abbot, Roshi Robert Althouse

Schedule a 30 minute online interview with Roshi.

Join us on Sunday, May 5, at 10 a.m. for Mark Shishin Gelula's talk, “As We Walk By.” Shishin Mark Gelula has been an integral part of the Zen Life & Meditation Center Chicago (ZLMC) community since 2011, having served in many capaci
Join us on Sunday, April 28, at 10 a.m. for Christine DuSells talk, “Meditation is Not a Test.” Christine DuSell has been a member of ZLMC since 2010 and started her regular meditation practice shortly thereafter. She has served on the C
Join us on Sunday, April 21, at 10 a.m. for Jacqui Genshin Weiner-O'Shea's talk, “Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo.” Genshin is a Zen Student at ZLMC and co-stewards the Open Heart Circle. Email info@zlmc.org to register and receive Zoom access.
Join us on Sunday, April 14, at 10 a.m. for Diane Wilson's talk, “Zen, Neuroscience and the Art of Great Sleep.” Drawing on her background of Zen Buddhism and applied neuroscience, Dove (Diane) Wilson shares her passion for helping high-