December one-day retreat
With Zen Master Bon Hae (Judy Roitman). $40, contact us if you need the fee reduced or waived. If you are sitting in-person, be sure to bring your lunch. In-person registration is available here. Zoom registration is available here. Registration closes December 5 at noon. Hybrid.
Our retreat are fairly intensive, designed for people with some meditation experience. If you are interested but not sure you are ready for a retreat, contact us and we’ll figure it out.
Buddha's Enlightenment Day celebration
Join us as we celebrate Buddha’s enlightenment (hybrid) followed by a vegetarian potluck (sadly, in-person only). Kid friendly. All are welcome, no pre-registration required. If you are joining on Zoom, use the link on our Practice page.
Zen Book Club: Buddha, part 2
Our Zen book club’s new book is Karen Armstrong’s Buddha, an accessible and thorough introduction to the historical Buddha, his teachings, and his times. Zoom only. No charge but registration is required; register here. The first session discussed he introduction and chapters 1 and 2. This session will discuss the rest of the book.
Our book club is open to anyone who has read the book being discussed. You don’t have to have participated in earlier sessions and there’s no commitment to participating in later ones.
Compass of Zen: Theravada part 2
The second in a series of classes on Zen Master Seung Sahn’s book Compass of Zen. With Zen Master Bon Hae (Judy Roitman). We will read the following sections: Dependent Origination, The Twelve Links in the Chain of Dependent Origination, The Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path, The Three Seals of Existence, Three Kinds of Practice. Yes it seems like a lot, but the chapters are short, and the total is less than 30 pages. Participants will each speak about what struck them and what questions they had, and the class will go on from there. $20, contact us if you need the fee reduced or waived. To encourage candor, this class will not be recorded. Zoom only. Registration opens in late November.
500 Bows for the New Year
Start your new year off right with 500 (actually 540) prostrations for the new year! Just show up, no registration required. Not an event that hybrids well, but if you can’t come in person you can do it wherever you are knowing that all the myriad beings, whether they know it or not, are bowing with you.
January 7 day retreat
Led by Dennis Duermeier JDPSN. $350 for 6 or 7 days. For 5 or fewer days, $60/day. Hybrid.
Our retreat are fairly intensive, designed for people with some meditation experience. If you are interested but not sure you are ready for a retreat, contact us and we’ll figure it out.
Most people sleeping at the Zen center stay in one large room. There is one single room available, let us know if you need a single room.
Annual meeting and potluck
Come to our annual meeting (the meeting that makes us legal). Hybrid. We’ll start after an abbreviated practice at 10, hear reports on the past year, vote on the new board, and those of us attending in person can enjoy the potluck. Everyone is welcome to the meeting, only members can vote. For those attending on Zoom, use the practice link. And everyone coming in person is welcome to the potluck — there’s always lots of food.
Discussion on precepts
Join Dennis Duermeier JDPSN in this informal discussion of precepts — their function and meaning. For anyone interested, whether you’ve taken precepts already, are considering taking them, or just curious. Hybrid. No registration needed. If you join on Zoom, use the practice link.
Dances of Universal Peace
Dances of universal peace is a spiritual practice founded by over 50 years ago by the Sufi murshid Samuel Lewis. At this event we will do simple dances to chants and mantras from various Buddhist traditions, accompanied by musicians, followed by tea and refreshments. No registration required.
February 2-day retreat
With Zen Master Bon Hae (Judy Roitman). $120, contact us if you need the fee reduced or waived. Hybrid. Registration opens in mid-January and closes February 5 at noon.
Most people sleeping at the Zen center stay in one large room. There is one single room available, let us know if you need a single room.
Our retreat are fairly intensive, designed for people with some meditation experience. If you are interested but not sure you are ready for a retreat, contact us and we’ll figure it out.
Compass of Zen: Buddhism and the Theravada part 1
The first of a series of classes on Zen Master Seung Sahn’s book Compass of Zen. With Zen Master Bon Hae (Judy Roitman). We will read the following sections: Buddhism, The Purposes of Buddhism, The Divisions of Buddhism, The Structure of Buddhism, Insight into Impermanence, Insight into Impurity, Insight into Nonself. Yes it seems like a lot, but the chapters are short, and the total is only about 70 pages. Participants will each speak about what struck them and what questions they had, and the class will go on from there. Registration is now closed.
Note: in this section, Zen Master Seung Sahn uses the word Hinayana to refer to what we now call Theravada (i.e., southeast Asian Buddhism).
November 2-day retreat
With Dennis Dueremeier JDPSN. $120, contact us if you need the fee reduced or waived. Hybrid. Registration is now closed.
Our retreat are fairly intensive, designed for people with some meditation experience. If you are interested but not sure you are ready for a retreat, contact us and we’ll figure it out.
Most people sleeping at the Zen center stay in one large room. There is one single room available, let us know if you need a single room.
Zen Book Club
Our Zen book club’s new book is Karen Armstrong’s Buddha, an accessible and thorough introduction to the historical Buddha, his teachings, and his times. Zoom only. No charge but registration is required; register here. This session will focus on the introduction and chapters 1 and 2.
Our book club is open to anyone who has read the book being discussed. You don’t have to have participated in earlier book clubs and there’s no commitment to participating in later ones.
Introduction to Zen practice part 2
We’ll answer questions from the first class and focus on the practice forms we use at Kansas Zen Center, including a short meditation period.. Taught by senior dharma teachers from the Kansas Zen Center. At the Kansas Zen Center, 1201 Laura Avenue, Lawrence KS. $10 suggested donation, no registration required. In-person only.
Kido (chanting retreat)
Energetic chanting dedicated to the Bodhisattva of compassion, Kwan Se Um Bosal (a.k.a. Kwan Yin). We will bring percussion instruments, feel free to bring your own — tambourines, maracas… anything that can be carried easily while walking. There will be a break for a brown bag lunch at noon. You can register for the whole event, or for the afternoon only (1 to 4 p.m.). Kids are welcome, but they should come at 1. $20 for the full day, $10 for the afternoon only, kids 12 and under are free. In person only. Located in a beautiful space near Lawrence, address and directions given upon registration. Parking is limited, so please consider car-pooling. Registration is now closed.
Introduction to Zen practice part 1
An introduction to Buddhism in general and Zen Buddhism in particular, including Zen-style meditation with a short meditation period. Taught by senior dharma teachers from the Kansas Zen Center. At the Lawrence Public Library, Meeting Room B. No registration required. In-person only.
Native Plant Garden workday
September 27 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We’ll be maintaining and possibly planting in our native plant garden. Come join us to help out and to learn from our garden guru Courtney Masterson of Native Lands Restoration Collaborative. Come for all or just some of the time. And there will be a light breakfast for folks who come to Saturday morning practice.
Pizza at the Pit
Join us for pizza at our fire pit. Definitely a family friendly event. Pizza is free but registration is required so we know how much pizza to order. Feel free to bring additional treats. Soda and NA beer will be on hand. Registration here.
Zen Book Club
Join us as we discuss Jane Dobisz’ luminous, earthy, and often funny book One Hundred Days of Solitude: Losing Myself and Finding Grace on a Zen Retreat. Jane Dobisz (Zen Master Bon Yeon) was one of Zen Master Seung Sahn’s first American students. Structured on the events of a 100 day solo retreat when she was young, her book is both an excellent introduction to Zen practice and an illuminating reminder for experienced practitioners. The discussion will be facilitated by senior dharma teacher Jennifer Balke. The Zen Center has a few copies for sale, or you can order from your favorite bookstore (if you’re in Lawrence that would be The Raven). Or, you know, from the corporate behemoth. Zoom only. Book club is free, but registration is required.. Register here. Registration closes September 19 at noon.
September 2-day retreat
With Zen Master Bon Hae (Judy Roitman). Hybrid. $120, contact us if you need the fee reduced or waived. Registration is now closed
Our retreat are fairly intensive, designed for people with some meditation experience. If you are interested but not sure you are ready for a retreat, contact us and we’ll figure it out.
Most people sleeping at the Zen center stay in one large room. There is one single room available, let us know if you need a single room.
Hsin Shin Ming (Trust in Mind)
The Hsin Shin Ming by Tseng Ts’an, the third ancestor, is an early and inspirational text. Taught by Zen Master Hae Kwang (Stan Lombardo), whose translation can be found here. $20, contact us if you need financial assistance. Zoom only. Registration closed.
Native Plant Garden workday
We’ll be maintaining and possibly planting in our native plant garden. Come join us to help out and to learn from our garden guru Courtney Masterson of Native Lands Restoration Collaborative. Come for all or just some of the time. And there will be a light breakfast for folks who come to Saturday morning practice.
Visiting teacher Zen Master Dae Kwang
Zen Master Dae Kwang will be visiting us for two weeks. He will answer questions after practice in our Kansas City group on August 7, give kong-an interviews in Lawrence August 9 and August 16, and answer questions after practice in Lawrence on August 10 and August 17. He was one of the founding members of Kansas Zen Center back in the early 1980’s, and it is always a pleasure to welcome him back.
July 5-day retreat
With Dennis Duermeier JDPSN. $250 for the entire 5 days, $120 for Friday - Sunday only. Contact us if you need the fee reduced or waived. Registration is now closed.
Our retreat are fairly intensive, designed for people with some meditation experience. If you are interested but not sure you are ready for a retreat, contact us and we’ll figure it out.
Most people sleeping at the Zen center stay in one large room. There is one single room available, let us know if you need a single room.
Mirror of Zen
The great 17th century Korean master So Sahn’s Mirror of Zen is a major text in Korean Buddhism. It is short and deeply inspirational. This class is taught by Zen Master Bon Hae (Judy Roitman). We will use a translation by Mark Mueller (PDF, hence free) lightly edited by Kathy Park JDPSN and ZM Judy Roitman. $20. Registration closes July 11 at noon. You can register here. Contact us if you need financial assistance.
June two-day retreat
With guest teacher Tim Colohan JDPSN. You can find out more about Tim here. $120, contact us if you need the fee reduced or waived. In-person registration is here. Zoom registration is here. Registration closes at noon June 26.
Our retreat are fairly intensive, designed for people with some meditation experience. If you are interested but not sure you are ready for a retreat, contact us and we’ll figure it out.
Most people sleeping at the Zen center stay in one large room. There is one single room available, let us know if you need a single room.
Public talk
With guest teacher Tim Colohan JDPSN. Hybrid. No registration required and no fee. If you are joining over Zoom, use the link on the practice page.
Native plant gardening
More maintenance and possibly planting in our native plant garden. Come join us to help out and to learn from our garden guru Courtney Masterson of Native Lands Restoration Collaborative. Come for all or just some of the time. Tools provided.
The six paramitas — how to be perfect!
The six paramitas (a.k.a. the six perfections) are the mental states that ground our practice. Taught by Zen Master Hae Kwang (Stan Lombardo). $20. Zoom only. Registration is now closed.
Native Plant gardening
Join us as we make our native plant garden even more beautiful. Join us as you are able any time between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Native Plant Garden workday
We’ll be maintaining and possibly planting in our native plant garden. Come join us to help out and to learn from our garden guru Courtney Masterson of Native Lands Restoration Collaborative. Come for all or just some of the time.
May one-day retreat
With Zen Master Bon Hae (Judy Roitman). Hybrid. $40, contact us if you need the fee reduced or waived. Registration closed at noon Friday May 23. If you’re coming in person be sure to bring your lunch!
Our retreat are fairly intensive, designed for people with some meditation experience. If you are interested but not sure you are ready for a retreat, contact us and we’ll figure it out.
Native Plant Garden workday
We’ll be maintaining and possibly planting in our native plant garden. Come join us to help out and to learn from our garden guru Courtney Masterson of Native Lands Restoration Collaborative. Come for all or just some of the time.
Online Sangha Buddha's Birthday Celebration
Join us in the dharma room as we join the Kwan Um Zen Online Sangha for their Buddha’s Birthday celebration. We will be leading Sogamuni Bul chanting during the ceremony, so the more voices in the room the better. And if you can’t be in the room with us, join us on Zoom (link to be announced later). We’ll then have a casual breakfast followed by our usual Sunday practice at 10 a.m.
April two-day retreat
Friday April 18 6:30 p.m. to Sunday April 20 12:30 p.m. With Dennis Duermeier JDPSN. $120. Registration has closed.
Our retreat are fairly intensive, designed for people with some meditation experience. If you are interested but not sure you are ready for a retreat, contact us and we’ll figure it out.
Most people sleeping at the Zen center stay in one large room. There is one single room available, let us know if you need it.
Buddha's Birthday celebration and Precepts ceremony
Sunday April 13 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. join us as we bathe the baby Buddha, cheer on your friends taking precepts, and, if you are in person, stay for the vegetarian potluck afterward. All are welcome, no pre-registration required. If you are joining on Zoom, use the link on our Practice page.
Curious about precepts? Dennis Duermeier JDPSN will lead a discussion about precepts starting at 9:45 a.m. before the ceremony. No pre-registration required.
The Great Dharani
Saturday March 29 10:30 a.m. With Zen Master Bon Hae (Judy Roitman). An exploration of one of our chants — the Great Dharani — and its associated sutra, with connections to tantric, magical, and folk beliefs. $20. Zoom only. Registration is now closed.
March one-day retreat
Saturday March 15 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. With Zen Master Bon Hae (Judy Roitman). Hybrid. $40, contact us if you need the fee reduced or waived. If you are sitting in-person, be sure to bring your lunch. Registration is now closed.
Our retreat are fairly intensive, designed for people with some meditation experience. If you are interested but not sure you are ready for a retreat, contact us and we’ll figure it out.
Kansas Zen Center Event Information
For those joining on Zoom, sign-in registration will be sent before the event.
Publicly available class readings will be announced in the class description. Other notes will be sent to participants before the class.
Retreat schedules and information will be sent to participants the day before the retreat.
To register for an event, fill out the appropriate application. If you have any questions, write to us at kansaszencenter@gmail.com. Please register at least two days before a retreat or class. More information about our retreats can be found here.
Retreats vary in price depending on the length of the retreat. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. If you need retreat fees waived or modified, email us at kansaszencenter@gmail.com before registration. If you cannot sit an entire retreat as scheduled, please email us well in advance to make arrangements. For more information, email us at kansaszencenter@gmail.com.