This reading group, open to all, will be reading aloud together the classic expansive and psychedelic Mahayana Buddhist text, Avatamsaka Sutra (Flower Ornament Sutra). Participants are not expected to purchase this text and are welcome to drop in for any reading group gathering. Participants will also be invited to sit for optional seated meditation at each gathering.
There is no registration or fee to attend, but donations are welcome. Gyoshin Laurel Ross will lead nature walks to introduce people to writing haiku. All of the walls will be in natural areas and parks on Chicago's north side. Gyoshin will provide a haiku basic instruction sheet and the location of each meeting place to registered participants.
There is no registration or fee to attend, but donations are welcome. Gyoshin Laurel Ross will lead nature walks to introduce people to writing haiku. All of the walls will be in natural areas and parks on Chicago's north side. Gyoshin will provide a haiku basic instruction sheet and the location of each meeting place to registered participants.
Services
Ancient Dragon Zen Gate is a community of practitioners committed to being a home for Soto Zen Buddhist meditation practice in Chicago. We are a member of Branching Streams, a network of Dharma centers affiliated with San Francisco Zen Center in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi. We hope to make this practice available to anyone interested, and welcome everyone to join us for meditation and Zen practice.
Our Thursday evening Beginner's Mind Zazen & Book Discussion is resuming online! Zazen will start at 7:15, followed by a discussion of a Suzuki Roshi text, usually "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind", or perhaps "Not Always So." Further instructions for accessing our online zendo can be found on our Online Zendo page.
A MESSAGE TO NEW FOLKS: We strongly encourage everyone new to our temple or to meditation to participate in an orientation to our temple style and meditation at our Sunday morning 8:45 am Meditation Instruction. If Sundays do not work for you, please send a request to info@ancientdragon.org for a personal arrangement for meditation instruction and orientation.
The primary objectives and purposes of Ancient Dragon Zen Gate are to express, make accessible, and enact the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha. Our ideals are based on the example of the Buddha and guided by the teachings and lineage of the Soto School as conveyed to us by Dogen Zenji and Shunryu Suzuki Roshi.
Zen is a word that means meditation. About 2,500 years ago, Buddha sat still and patiently observed body, heart and mind with openness, curiosity, and compassion. Then, Buddha stood up and explored living for the benefit of all beings. We still practice this way today at Ancient Dragon Zen Gate. Below are some suggestions for entering Zen practice.
Reviews (4)
Jeremy H.
Aug 16, 2020
Report
It feels a little funny giving a Buddhist temple a yelp review.... but here goes.
I practiced here for more than 7 or so years and I would consider myself a former student.
I very dearly miss the company of the people I practiced with at ADZG and I remember my time with them fondly. I came to ADZG a confused young man and I left a confused older man. If you're looking for a place that will fix you you're looking in the wrong place. Over the course of my attendance the guiding teacher spent countless hours with me answering my questions and at times showed greater concern for my well
I practiced here for more than 7 or so years and I would consider myself a former student.
I very dearly miss the company of the people I practiced with at ADZG and I remember my time with them fondly. I came to ADZG a confused young man and I left a confused older man. If you're looking for a place that will fix you you're looking in the wrong place. Over the course of my attendance the guiding teacher spent countless hours with me answering my questions and at times showed greater concern for my well
Richelle & Clayton Cordes
Dec 11, 2018
Report
Ben P.
Dec 14, 2014
Report
There are lots of great Buddhist temples in Chicago, but as soon as I walked in the door, I knew that Ancient Dragon was the place for me. It's a fantastic place if you want to deepen your meditation practice and learn about the Soto Zen tradition. The main teacher, Taigen Leighton, is not only an ordained priest in the San Francisco Zen Center / Suzuki Roshi lineage, but also a scholar of Dogen. And everyone in the sangha is friendly and supportive.
Rev Patti
Oct 06, 2013
Report
This is the dojo ("practice place") I recommend to anyone serious about Zen meditation - it's from the authentic tradition of Soto Zen, not the "we just make it up as we go along" kind of meditation. Taigen-sensei is very knowledgeable and highly respected in Buddhist and religious circles and the group leaders and students are committed and conscientious. The meditation is very formal, so it's not for the casual "touchy-feely" types who just want to hang out. Various special events and gatherings are held throughout the year, open to the public.
