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!
Read Our September 2022 Newsletter

Read Our September 2022 Newsletter

Read members' poetry, hear about Summer Ango projects  and find out about our new Zen Teachers of Color class series... Read More "Read Our September 2022 Newsletter"
GPZC Racial Justice Circle announces new class series: Zen Teachers of Color

GPZC Racial Justice Circle announces new class series: Zen Teachers of Color

Starting in October, and occurring once per month into the Spring of 2023, GPZC members of the Racial Justice Circle... Read More "GPZC Racial Justice Circle announces new class series: Zen Teachers of Color"
Morning Online Zazen Resumes with New Schedule Faces of several students participating in an online event via Zoom video chat.

Morning Online Zazen Resumes with New Schedule

Online morning zazen continues every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning at 6 AM.  All are welcome - attend every morning... Read More "Morning Online Zazen Resumes with New Schedule"
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 Friday night, September 30 through Sunday morning, October 2. You are invited... Read More "Beginner’s Mind Sesshin, Sept 30 – Oct 2"
Important Update in GPZC’s COVID Policy

Important Update in GPZC’s COVID Policy

Important Update in GPZC's COVID Policy GPZC has added a new testing requirement for all overnight events (sesshin or zazenkai). ... Read More "Important Update in GPZC’s COVID Policy"
Honoring the Way of Zazen Sesshin, Oct. 27-30

Honoring the Way of Zazen Sesshin, Oct. 27-30

Honoring the Way of Zazen Sesshin Our Honoring the Way of Zazen Sesshin takes place Thursday night, October 27 through... Read More "Honoring the Way of Zazen Sesshin, Oct. 27-30"
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"
Rohatsu Sesshin, Dec. 6-11

Rohatsu Sesshin, Dec. 6-11

Rohatsu Sesshin Our 2022 Rohatsu Sesshin takes place Tuesday night, December 6 through Sunday morning, December 11.  Rohatsu will begin... Read More "Rohatsu Sesshin, Dec. 6-11"