In 1972, Seung Sahn established the first Zen Center in the United States right here in Rhode Island. This came to be after he was asked to speak at Brown University, and student became interested in his teachings. Now headquartered in Cumberland, it is the Head Temple of the Americas for the Kwan Um School of Zen. The daily schedule includes sitting, walking, chanting, and meditation, with the goal of a more harmonious relationship with all aspects of life.
Hidden on 50-acres of grounds in Cumberland, Rhode Island is the Providence Zen Center.
Facebook/ Providence Zen Center It was originally located in Providence, but moved to its current campus in 1979.
The center offers Meditation Classes, a Meditation Center, Zen teachers and classes, and a residency program.
Facebook/ Providence Zen Center Another highlight is the semi-annual Kyol Che retreats.
Anyone is welcome to their daily morning and evening meditations.
Facebook/ Providence Zen Center
The main meditation room is 1,750 square feet and holds up to 75 people comfortably.
Providence Zen Center There is another meditation room upstairs and visiting groups can rent them out. There is also a large, fully equipped kitchen.
There are a variety of retreats offered, like this Mu Sang Sa retreat.
Facebook/ Providence Zen Center The Yong Maeng Jong Jin retreats are 2, 3, or 7 days long and held in silence.
The Providence Zen Center also has one day retreats. These consist of walking, sitting, and lunch from 9:00 AM until 3:30 PM.
Faceboook/ Providence Zen Center An hour-long session with a Zen teacher is included in the one day retreat.
The Pagoda is an unexpected sight in Rhode Island.
Facebook/ Providence Zen Center The landmark Peace Pagoda towers 65 feet in the air.
In addition to the residency program, they have longer duration retreats like this 90 Day Retreat.
Facebook/ Providence Zen Center
Events include Dharma School, chanting, and weekly public dinners.
Facebook/ Providence Zen Center
The center celebrates Buddah’s birthday in style.
Facebook/ Providence Zen Center
At PZC, they say Zen is understanding yourself.
Facebook/ Providence Zen Center
Facebook/ Providence Zen Center
It was originally located in Providence, but moved to its current campus in 1979.
Another highlight is the semi-annual Kyol Che retreats.
Providence Zen Center
There is another meditation room upstairs and visiting groups can rent them out. There is also a large, fully equipped kitchen.
The Yong Maeng Jong Jin retreats are 2, 3, or 7 days long and held in silence.
Faceboook/ Providence Zen Center
An hour-long session with a Zen teacher is included in the one day retreat.
The landmark Peace Pagoda towers 65 feet in the air.
Find the Providence Zen Center at 99 Pound Road, Cumberland, Rhode Island. Check their website for all the latest events. Most programs are free and open to the public!
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