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!
Ohigan Week is Here! March 18-24

Ohigan Week is Here! March 18-24

Take the Weeklong Ohigan Challenge   GPZC is offering a weeklong challenge during Ohigan Week from Saturday, March 18 through... Read More "Ohigan Week is Here! March 18-24"
Register now for Beginner’s Mind Zazenkai March 24-26 Students meditating at GPZC

Register now for Beginner’s Mind Zazenkai March 24-26

Beginner's Mind Zazenkai, March 24-26   Beginner’s Mind Zazenkai takes place Friday night, March 24 through Sunday morning, March 26.... Read More "Register now for Beginner’s Mind Zazenkai March 24-26"
Read GPZC’s March 2023 Newsletter

Read GPZC’s March 2023 Newsletter

GPZC March 2023 Newsletter Remember to attend Julie Seido Nelson's Teisho Sunday night March 5th in person in Palatine or... Read More "Read GPZC’s March 2023 Newsletter"
Morning Online Zazen Continues Faces of several students participating in an online event via Zoom video chat.

Morning Online Zazen Continues

Online morning zazen continues every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning at 6 AM.  All are welcome - attend every morning... Read More "Morning Online Zazen Continues"
GPZC’s COVID Policy Continues

GPZC’s COVID Policy Continues

GPZC's Ongoing COVID Policy GPZC continues to have a  testing requirement for all overnight events (sesshin or zazenkai).  We are... Read More "GPZC’s COVID Policy Continues"