Chapel Hill Zen Center

The Chapel Hill Zen Center is a place of spiritual growth, enlightenment, and community. We believe in the power of meditation and the teachings of Zen Buddhism to guide us towards a path of understanding and harmony with ourselves and the world around us. Our mission is to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone to practice zazen, learn about Zen philosophy, and cultivate compassion and mindfulness in their daily lives.

Our History and Affiliation

The Chapel Hill Zen Center was established in 1981 by a group of friends who shared a passion for Zen Buddhism. Over the years, our community has grown, and we have become formally affiliated with the San Francisco Zen Center, founded by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi. This affiliation allows us to draw upon the wisdom and teachings of Suzuki Roshi and his disciples, ensuring that our practice and philosophy remain true to the principles of Zen Buddhism.

Our Services and Events

We offer a variety of services and events designed to help you deepen your understanding of Zen and enhance your meditation practice. These include:

• Daily Zazen Sessions: We offer daily zazen sessions Monday through Friday mornings at 6 and 6:50 AM, both in-person and via Zoom. This provides a consistent and supportive environment for you to establish or maintain your meditation practice.

• Weekly Orientation and Meditation Instruction: For those new to Zen or meditation, we offer orientation and meditation instruction on Sunday mornings at 9 AM and Tuesday evenings at 7 PM. This is a great opportunity to learn about Zen philosophy, how to sit in meditation, and how to integrate mindfulness into your daily life.

• Workshops and Lectures: Throughout the year, we host workshops and lectures on various topics related to Zen Buddhism, mindfulness, and personal growth. These events provide a chance to learn from experienced teachers and deepen your understanding of Zen principles and practices.

• Sesshins and Retreats: Periodically, we organize sesshins (intensive meditation retreats) and other special events that allow you to immerse yourself in Zen practice and experience the transformative power of prolonged meditation.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At the Chapel Hill Zen Center, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the benefits of Zen practice. Therefore, we are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of our community. We recognize and celebrate the diversity among us and strive to make every individual feel valued, respected, and safe.

Join Us

Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your journey with Zen, we invite you to join us at the Chapel Hill Zen Center. Let us come together to explore the teachings of Zen Buddhism, cultivate mindfulness and compassion, and find peace and harmony in our lives.