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
If zoom asks for a passcode put in 1
Upcoming speakers
September 6
Ango Opening Ceremony
September 13
Sangha Conversation with Roshi Robert
September 20, 8:45-10:45 am
Family Morning Zen - “Practicing Lovingkindness with Sharon Salzberg’s ‘Kind Karl’” Kathy Dull
All are welcome to bring the children in their lives to this special program. The morning will feature Zen-inspired childcare in the Community Room while adults (and older children who are interested) meditate in the Buddha Hall starting at 9:00 am. At 10:00, we will enjoy a family friendly talk, followed by refreshments afterwards. Read more and register below. 👇
Sign up Form to participate in Family Morning Zen
Registration is required for children by Thursday, Sept. 17th.
September 27
“Student-Teacher Relationship with Q and A - Roshi Nicole Jikyo McMahon
October 4
“Everything is Connected: Japanese Tanka Poetry in Captivity, Farming with Nature, and Zen Buddhism” - Nancy Matsumoto
October 11
“The Koan in Zen Practice”
Roshi Barry Kaigen McMahon
Oct. 18
Pet Memorial
Oct. 25
Mountain Seat Ceremony
Installing Roshi June Tanoue as Co-Abbot of ZLMC
A sanctuary for
clarity and connection
Celebrations
Special Services
Rites of Passage
Learning Mindfulness
An encouraging community
Ceremony for Receiving Precepts (Jukai)
Traditional Zen Buddhist services
Friendship
Engaging Classes