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.
Great Plains Zen Center
Great Plains Zen Center at CCUU Palatine illinois

Great Plains Zen Center at CCUU Palatine illinois

Great Plains Zen Center at CCUU Palatine IL

Students chanting at one of GPZC's many locations.
Students attending Teisho at GPZC in Palatine

Great Plains Zen Center meets at 7 PM every Sunday night at Countryside Church, 1025 N. Smith St., Palatine IL.  Practitioners at all levels of experience are welcome to attend. The schedule consists of: zazen (seated meditation) from 7:00 – 7:30, kinhin (walking meditation) from 7:30-7:40 and zazen from 7:40 – 8:10. Dokusan (face to face meeting with the teacher) is usually available during these sittings. Instruction is available during the first period of zazen for anyone new to sitting.  Online participation continues to be offered as an option (see below).

 

 

Note the following COVID-related precautions for those attending in person:

  • We are requiring that anyone attending in person be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and will require proof of vaccination. We strongly recommend being up to date on booster shots, but do not require it.
  • Anyone providing proof of medical contra-indication (i.e. a letter from their doctor) for the COVID vaccine (or booster, should we require it in the future) can provide proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours prior to attendance in lieu of the vaccine.
  • Participants will be seated 6 feet apart and asked to maintain social distancing when possible.
  • Participants must wear N95, KN95 or KF94 grade masks and will be provided with one if they do not bring one.

Those who would like to learn service positions can ask the greeter or one of the monitors (people who sit facing in) to arrange training in the position.  Positions include jikido/chant leader (the person who times the sitting periods and kinhin and leads the chanting of the four vows), doan (who rings the bell during the three bows and Roshi’s exit), sogei (who rings handbell in response to the doan’s bell during Roshi’s exit) and jisha (who runs the dokusan line).  While the positions might feel unfamiliar at first, they are a valuable part of our practice: training us to listen carefully, be attentive and be willing to make mistakes and learn gracefully from them.   Many feel that taking on positions helps them to feel more part of the group. 

For those unable to attend in person, online attendance is be available with the following zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/744106602
Meeting ID: 744 106 602
Dial in:  312 626 6799 US (Chicago)