Great Plains Zen Center

We practice Zen Buddhism as a supportive community, open to all. Our vision is to end suffering by continuously raising the heart of wisdom and compassion.
Welcome to Great Plains Zen Center
Welcome to Great Plains Zen Center

We practice Zen Buddhism as a supportive community, open to all.

Our vision is to end suffering by continuously raising
the heart of wisdom and compassion.

Learn More New to Practice? Start here.
Training Programs
Training Programs

There are so many ways to start your practice at Great Plains Zen Center.  From workshops to courses and retreats to serving the community, you are sure to find your opening to a tradition that will transform your understanding of yourself and the world.

Practice at GPZC New to Practice? Start here.
Locations
Locations

Great Plains Zen Center has locations and affiliate sites in Wisconsin and Illinois.

Learn More New to practice? Start here.
Beginning a Practice
Beginning a Practice

We understand that when you’re starting out on the Zen path, you are likely to have a lot of questions.  At GPZC we offer support each step of the way.

Learn More New to practice? Start here.
Engaged Buddhism
Engaged Buddhism

Great Plains Zen Center is committed to serving all through education, advocacy, and action in partnership with community organizations.

Learn More New to Practice? Start here.
Donations
Donations

Great Plains Zen Center is dependent upon the donations of its students.

Please consider a gift to help support our mission to spread the Buddhadharma.

Learn More New to practice? Start here.

GPZC News

Scroll down to find out what we're doing!
2022 Rohatsu Sesshin

2022 Rohatsu Sesshin

Rohatsu Sesshin Our 2022 Rohatsu Sesshin takes place Tuesday day night, December 6 through Sunday morning, December 11.  Rohatsu will... Read More "2022 Rohatsu Sesshin"
Read our July Newsletter Buddha Shakyamuni Seated in Meditation, Granite, 12th Century

Read our July Newsletter

Our July Newsletter features an article by Dr. Sudesh Kannon, PhD, as well as news about upcoming retreats, classes, opportunities... Read More "Read our July Newsletter"
Zazenkai Scheduled for November 11 – 13 The han (wooden sounding board) hangs, covered with snow, on the front porch of Great Plains Zen Center.

Zazenkai Scheduled for November 11 – 13

November Zazenkai Our November 2022 Zazenkai takes place Friday night, November 11 through Sunday morning, November 13. Informal dinner will... Read More "Zazenkai Scheduled for November 11 – 13"
Honoring the Way of Zazen Sesshin

Honoring the Way of Zazen Sesshin

Honoring the Way of Zazen Sesshin Our Honoring the Way of Zazen Sesshin takes place Thursday night, September 27 through... Read More "Honoring the Way of Zazen Sesshin"
Beginner’s Mind Sesshin, Sept 30 – Oct 2 Students meditating at GPZC

Beginner’s Mind Sesshin, Sept 30 – Oct 2

Beginner's Mind Sesshin Beginner's Mind Sesshin takes place Thursday night, September 30 through Sunday morning, October 2. You are invited... Read More "Beginner’s Mind Sesshin, Sept 30 – Oct 2"
GPZC Offers Aspects of Zen Practice Class #3, August 14

GPZC Offers Aspects of Zen Practice Class #3, August 14

GPZC will offer Aspects Class #3 on August 14, 2022, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm. This Aspects Class, called Everyday... Read More "GPZC Offers Aspects of Zen Practice Class #3, August 14"
All My Relations/Peaceful Way Sesshin Remembrance Lanterns Hang on the Front Porch during the Gate of Sweet Nectar Ceremony

All My Relations/Peaceful Way Sesshin

August All My Relations/Peaceful Way Retreat Our August All My Relations/Peaceful Way Sesshin takes place Monday night, August 22 through... Read More "All My Relations/Peaceful Way Sesshin"
Pandemic Response

Pandemic Response

GPZC has resumed in-person events with online options available.   However, please do not attend an event in person if you are... Read More "Pandemic Response"