Every Sunday Morning

Zen Buddhist Service, Sacred Chants
Compassionate Hearts

Every Sunday Morning

Begin your week with clarity, insight, and heartfelt connection

8:15–8:50 AM
Zen Buddhist Service (Gate of Sweet Nectar Service - 1st and 3rd Sunday each month)
Join us for traditional Zen Buddhist services featuring sacred chants, community offerings, and practices that connect ancient wisdom to compassionate action in our local community.

The Gate of Sweet Nectar service is done as an offering to heal the suffering of hungry ghosts. We invite anyone to donate food items (non-perishables) which are put on the altar during the service, and then donated to a local food pantry.

9:00 – 9:45 AM
Mindfulness Meditation
The gentle resonance of the bell invites you into 45 minutes of meditation. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to Zen, you’ll find this space opening and welcoming.

Dharma Wisdom: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Each week, our teachers, members, and friends offer insights that bridge ancient wisdom with modern life. Drawing from over four decades of practice in the White Plum lineage, these talks aren’t just lectures–they’re compassionate guides to navigating life’s joys and sorrows.

Kinship & Connection 11:00 AM
After nourishing your spirit, nourish your connections in our warm Community Room. Over light refreshments, the buzz of conversation fills the air. Share your insights, hear others’ stories, or simply enjoy the laughter and fun.

Join in-person at 46 Lake Street in Oak Park. No need to register.
Parking is available on Lake Street in front of the Zen Center

You may also join us online with ZOOM LINK

FAQs
Service Liturgy

Upcoming speakers

Jan. 18, 2026
Jukai for Jackie Popp
with Preceptor, Rev. Diane RMyogetsu Bejcek

Jan. 25, 2026
”Not Knowing”
Eve Marko

Feb. 1, 2026
”Warm Data”
Roshi Robert Althouse

Feb. 8, 2026
”Matters of the Heart and the Practice of Writing: Meeting Ourselves on the Page”
Dorotea Mendoza

Feb. 15, 2026
”The Eight Worldly Concerns”
Rev. Patrick Ungo O’Shea

Feb. 22, 2026
TBA
Roshi June Ryushin Tanoue

March 1, 2026
”Basic Goodness”
Julie Chisho Kase

March 8, 2026
Family Morning Zen
Kathy Dull and Karleen Manchanda

A sanctuary for
clarity and connection