Community Programs & Initiatives
Sangha is a Buddhist term to refer to a community of practitioners. Community activities at the Zen center emphsize together-action—acting in harmony with others.
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Community Dinner
Tuesdays • 5:30pm
The Sangha comes together to eat a healthy vegetarian meal before evening practice.
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Work Period
Saturdays • 8am
The Sangha comes together for breakfast followed by work practice—caring for the temple and its grounds.
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Young Zen
Non-retreat Sundays • 12:30pm
Peer-led meditation practice for students and young adults, followed by group discussion and social time.
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Elder Zen
Last Saturday of the month, 11am
A supportive community that explores our experiences of aging through meditation and discussion.
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BIPOC Zen
One Wednesday a month
A safe space for self-identifying BIPOC practitioners to explore contemplative practices.
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Unpacking Whiteness
1st and 3rd Wed. each month, 8:15pm
Online study and reflection group examining examining racial privilege through Zen practice.
We partner with organizations throughout the greater Boston area for workshops and outreach. Interested in collaborating with us? Email director@cambridgezen.org to inquire.
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Prison Dharma Program
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BU Zen Community
We partner with this student group at BU to provide meditation instruction and host retreats. -
Library Zen
Public meditation instruction in partnership with the Cambridge Public Library.(Details TBD)
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Temple Visit Program for Schools
An educational field trip program for schools in the greater Boston area. -
Meditation Workshops for Teams
A mindfulness experience for teams.
In addition to the regular community programming, we have a wide variety of seasonal opportunities for socializing with the sangha, including a yearly Thanksgiving Potluck, canoeing trips, and a variety of one-off workshops, so keep an eye out on the Events Calendar and sign up for our weekly Newsletter to stay informed!
American Sangha
The American region of the Kwan Um School of Zen includes nearly forty Zen centers in the United States, Mexico, Panama, and Argentina. The School's teachers travel frequently among these centers to lead retreats and guide practitioners. Additionally, practitioners from Cambridge frequently attend retreats at nearby sister temples across New England.
Sister Temples Across the Northeast
The sangha comes together three times each year (in April, July and December) at the American head temple, Providence Zen Center, for sangha weekends. If you wish to join the CZC group to next sangha weekend, email director@cambridgezen.org for information.
During Sangha Weekends, practitioners take precepts and attend a variety of ceremonies celebrating the Buddha’s life and teaching.
Sangha weekend is a chance to enjoy hiking and other activities in the beautiful 50-acre Providence Zen Center.
Global Sangha
CZC is connected to a wide global network of Zen Centers across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, including in Korea, Hong Kong, Spain, Warsaw, and others.