A Zen temple in Los Angeles open to practitioners of all levels. This guide is compiled from the center's own published information; we have not visited, and it is not a review.
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The place
Since its founding in 1967 by Taizan Maezumi Roshi, ZCLA Buddha Essence Temple has offered the teaching and practice of Zen Buddhism to all who come through its temple gate. It offers community meditation, retreats, classes for practitioners of all levels and ongoing study groups.
What it stands for
Its mission is to provide training and resources for realising the interconnection of all life, to maintain the precepts and to embody three tenets: Not-knowing, Bearing Witness and Taking Action. It says it actively welcomes all people regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, physical and mental ability, race, religion, sexual orientation and socio-economic background.
The rhythm of practice
The center observes a daily schedule of zazen, Buddhist services and work practice, with training programmes for people who want to go deeper.
Before you go
- Read your first visit to a Zen center and zazen for beginners.
- Learn what a sesshin is and what Zen Buddhism is.
- Check the schedule on the center's own site.
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