Workshops & Events

Mindfulness for Parents (hybrid)
Family Morning Zen
Sunday, December 3 from 9:00-11:00 AM (CST)

We hope that you will join us for our first Family Morning Zen! All are welcome to bring the children in their lives to this special program–grandkids, nieces, nephews, and other younger friends included. The morning will feature a family-friendly dharma talk and Zen-inspired childcare in the Community Room while adults (and any older children who are interested) meditate in the Buddha Hall. We ask that families arrive at 8:45 AM so that children have time to get settled before meditation time at 9 AM.

Program Overview:

8:45 Arrival of those with children (in-person)
9:00 Meditation (hybrid) with childcare in Community Room
9:45 Announcements and Zoom breakout rooms (online)
10:00 Children’s Ceremony (hybrid)
10:15 Family-friendly Dharma Talk (hybrid)
10:45 Closing (hybrid) & Kinship refreshments (in-person)

PLEASE NOTE THAT IN ORDER TO ENSURE CHILDCARE COVERAGE, WE REQUIRE REGISTRATION FOR FAMILIES PLANNING TO ATTEND BY TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28. Please contact Kathy, Karleen or Kelly if you have questions. kathy.dull@zlmc.org; karleen.manchanda@zlmc.org; kelly.good@zlmc.org

Register Here:
https://forms.gle/9AZcY9F8cBudrUdo8

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81608827302pwd=bkZrcGRyRllWWjlnM1g3VEZPbi83QT09 

Yoga for Meditators
Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, 1:00 PM (CST).

Led by Melanie Jessen, DO

Class are only in-person, held at Zen Center, located at
46 Lake St.
Oak Park, IL 60302
708-689-1220

Sandokai: Identity of Relative and Absolute Workshop (online only)
with Rev. Diane Myogetsu Bejcek
Tuesday, Feb. 20 from 7:00–8:30 PM (CST)

This four-part course will explore the classic Zen poem, the Sandokai, which is a teaching poem composed by Sekito Kisen (Shi’tou), eighth Chinese Zen ancestor, to express the essence of Zen teachings on non-duality.  This poem encompasses Buddha's teaching of the Middle Way which teaches about the nature of relationship as separate-not separate.  This teaching addresses the question of how the oneness of things and the multiplicity of things co-exist.  We will explore the meaning of this Zen classic and it's central place in Soto Zen as well as how we can recognize non-duality in our everyday lives.

Exploring Authentic Intimacy (online only)
with Allison Morgan and Roshi Robert Althouse
Saturdays, April 20—May 11, 2024 from 1:00–2:30 PM (CST)

Embark on a transformative journey through this four-part course, where we will explore together the profound nature of sacredness and its reflection in authentic, intimate relationships. Unpacking the intricacies of intimacy, we unveil its significance while dispelling prevalent misconceptions.

We will also approach the challenging terrain of inter-personal suffering and chronic disconnection that lead to many of the symptoms of suffering we see in our culture today. Traversing this charged emotional landscape, the course culminates by offering valuable insights for cultivating healthy, mutual relationships that support meaning and joy in our lives.

Class1: Sacred Nature of Relational World

Class 2: Intimacy without Others

Class 3: Working with Reactivity

Class 4: Deepening Authentic Relationships