Zen Center

Zen Center is a term for a Zen Buddhist temple. The term appears to be western in origin because the term Zen Temple appears in China and Japan. They are considered places of worship and meditation. Most of the centers in the United States are large converted homes for the purpose of Zen Buddhism.

Architecture

While the exteriors of the centers often fit in with the areas they inhabit the interiors tend to have Asian influences. While not required most Zen Centers have a zendo or meditation hall. Zen Centers may have residents, also known as monks (for males) and nuns (female), who may live in the center's residence area. Most have kitchens and communal areas.

Some centers do not have mirrors in the bathrooms. This is to assist the practitioner from focusing on unimportant parts of zen practice, such as facial appearance.

Zen Center resident life

Life as a resident is different from lay life (also known as householder). Residential rooms and common areas lack televisions and other common modern pastimes. Access to many creature comforts are reduced. Residents are required to perform daily chores. Times for zazen (zen sitting meditation) and other aspects of practice are built into the daily schedule. Superfluous talking is discouraged; instead a resident should be practicing mindfulness in all they do.

Etiquette

As in Asian cultures, shoes are not worn in most areas of a zen center.

Members of zen center have access to areas outside of public areas. It is not considered polite to wander around the Zen Center unescorted. At most centers, the abbot or Roshi is available by appointment only. A level of respect must always be observed with regard to all things in the center from the Roshi to the kitchen.

For Zendo etiquette see ZendoGeneral zendo etiquette:When entering the Zendo bow towards the Buddha with hands held in Gassho. If anyone is sitting in the Zendo all effort to remain quiet must be observed.

Donations

Most centers rely on donations from private individuals.

Community involvement

Many centers are located in urban areas. In an effort to increase acceptance, centers often have community programs designed to be beneficial to the community as a whole. This is also a tenet of Buddhism.

Gallery

References

*cite book| last =Ferrar-Halls| first =Gill| authorlink =| coauthors =| title =The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Buddhist Wisdom| publisher =Quest Books| date =2003| location =| pages =150-151| url =| doi =| id = | isbn =978-0835607865

*cite book| last =Smith| first =Huston| authorlink =| coauthors =Philip Novak| title =Buddhism: A Concise Introduction| publisher =HarperCollins Publishing| date =2003| location =| pages =159-160| url =| doi =| id = | isbn =978-0060730673

ee also

Timeline of Zen Buddhism in the United States

External links

* [http://www.rzc.org Rochester Zen Center]