Zen Buddhist training
in the heart of Cambridge.

199 AUBURN ST, CAMBRIDGE MA

about

Practicing clear mind & compassionate action together in community.

Cambridge Zen Center is an affiliate of the Kwan Um School of Zen, a worldwide network of over 120 Zen centers founded by Korean teacher Zen Master Seung Sahn. We welcome anyone with a sincere interest in practice.

Meet our teachers
Read more

Kwan Um School of Zen  ·  Est. 1983

Zen Buddhist Training

in the heart of Cambridge

199 Auburn Street · Cambridge, MA 02139

about

Practicing clear mind & compassionate action together in community.

Cambridge Zen Center is an affiliate of the Kwan Um School of Zen, a worldwide network of over 120 Zen centers founded by Korean teacher Zen Master Seung Sahn. We welcome anyone with a sincere interest in practice.

Meet our teachers
Read more
workshop for teams
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Option 1

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.

CZC hosts a wide range of regular community programs and also partners with organizations throughout the greater Boston area. Interested in collaborating with us? Email director@cambridgezen.org to inquire.

  • Two women sitting at a wooden table in a cafe, smiling and talking, surrounded by cups, bowls, and a potted orchid plant, with a framed chart on the wall behind them.

    Community Dinner

    Tuesdays 5:30pm

    The Sangha comes together to eat a healthy vegetarian meal before evening practice.

    See schedule
  • Group of people in winter clothes standing in snow, some holding shovels and tools, smiling and celebrating outdoors.

    Work Period

    Saturdays 8am

    The Sangha comes together for breakfast followed by work practice—caring for the temple and its grounds.

    Learn more & join
  • A group of fifteen people sitting and standing around a wooden table in a warmly lit room, smiling at the camera.

    Young Zen

    Sundays 12:30pm, except YMJJ weekends

    Peer-led meditation practice for students and young adults, followed by group discussion and social time.

    Learn more & join
  • A group of seven people standing together indoors, smiling for the camera.

    Elder Zen

    Last Saturday of the month, 11am

    A supportive community that allows us to explore our experiences of aging through meditation and discussion.

    Learn more & join
  • Incense sticks burning with white smoke rising, arranged in a decorative display on a surface.

    Unpacking Whiteness

    1st and 3rd Wed. each month, 8:15pm

    Online study and reflection group examining examining racial privilege through Zen practice.

    Learn more & join
  • Traditional Chinese wooden lattice doors next to a wall with vertical Chinese text and a landscape painting. Small potted plants are at the bottom.

    BIPOC Zen

    One Wednesday a month

    A practice community for self-identifying BIPOC practitioners.

    Learn more & join
  • A small bronze Buddha statue sitting in a meditative pose on white flowers, with a blurred background of green and white bokeh lights.

    Prison Dharma Program

    Tuesdays and Wednesdays

    A group of KUSZ members that practice with our incarcerated Sangha in prisons across MA.

    Get involved
  • A castle-like building made of stone with a tall turret, arched windows, and red tile roof, surrounded by a green lawn and a sidewalk in an urban area.

    Library Zen

    Public meditation instruction in partnership with the Cambridge Public Library.

    Read More
  • Group of young people and adults gathered indoors, posing for a group photo on a decorative carpet with a blue curtain backdrop.

    BU Zen Community

    We partner with this student organization at BU to provide meditation instruction and host retreats.

    Go to BU Zen page

Option 2

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.

  • Two women are sitting at a wooden table, smiling and engaging in conversation. The table has various cups, mugs, and a wooden tray with small bowls. In the background, there is a framed poster on the wall and a shelf with cups and other items. The setting appears to be a cozy cafe or tea room.

    Community Dinner

    Tuesdays • 5:30pm

    The Sangha comes together to eat a healthy vegetarian meal before evening practice.

    Learn More →

  • Group of people in winter clothing outdoors on snow, some holding shovels, with a blue house in the background, snow falling.

    Work Period

    Saturdays • 8am

    The Sangha comes together for breakfast followed by work practice—caring for the temple and its grounds.

    Learn more →

  • Group of people sitting around a wooden dining table in a cozy living room, smiling at the camera.

    Young Zen

    Non-retreat Sundays • 12:30pm

    Peer-led meditation practice for students and young adults, followed by group discussion and social time.

    Learn more →

  • Group of eight people standing indoors, smiling, in front of a window with curtains and a green abstract painting on the wall.

    Elder Zen

    Last Saturday of the month, 11am

    A supportive community that allows us to explore our experiences of aging through meditation and discussion.

  • Incense sticks burning with smoke rising, arranged on a traditional incense holder, with a blurred background.

    Unpacking Whiteness

    1st and 3rd Wed. each month, 8:15pm

    Online study and reflection group examining examining racial privilege through Zen practice.

  • Traditional wooden lattice doors with vertical panels and a white wall behind featuring Chinese text. In front, there is a small wooden table and two potted plants on the floor.

    BIPOC Zen

    One Wednesday a month

    A practice community for self-identifying BIPOC practitioners.

We partner with organizations throughout the greater Boston area. Interested in collaborating with us? Email director@cambridgezen.org to inquire.

  • A small Buddha statue situated among lush green plants with large, rounded leaves. The background is blurry with circular light bokeh.

    Prison Dharma Program

    Tuesdays and Wednesdays

    A group of KUSZ members that practice with our prison Sangha.

    Learn more →

  • A large group of people posing together in a room, some sitting on the floor and others standing at the back, in front of a dark blue curtain.

    BU Zen Community


    We partner with this student group at BU to provide meditation instruction and host retreats.

    Go to BU Zen page→

  • Modern library interior with a large curved wall of books and seating area, featuring a glass enclosure with a small garden and chairs.

    Library Zen


    Public meditation instruction in partnership with the Cambridge Public Library.

    Learn more →

  • A large group of smiling people gathered on the steps of a blue house.

    Temple Visit Program for Schools


    An educational field trip program for schools in the greater Boston area.

    Learn more →

  • Car tire tracks in white gravel on the ground.

    Meditation Workshops for Companies


    A mindfulness experience for teams.

    Learn more →

Option 3

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.

CZC hosts a wide range of regular community programs and also partners with organizations throughout the greater Boston area. Interested in collaborating with us? Email director@cambridgezen.org to inquire.

  • Two women sitting at a wooden table, smiling and talking. One woman is wearing glasses and a green patterned sweater, holding a cup. The other woman has dark hair tied back and is wearing a black sweatshirt with colorful stripes. The table has cups, bowls, and a wooden tray with teacups. There is a potted plant with flowers, and a framed diagram on the wall behind them.

    Community Dinner

    Tuesdays • 5:30pm

    Share a vegetarian meal with the Sangha before evening practice.

    Learn more →

  • A group of people in winter clothing standing in snow, some holding shovels and tools, outdoors in front of a blue house, during a snowy day.

    Work Period

    Saturdays • 8am

    Share breakfast with the Sangha followed by work practice—caring for the temple and its grounds.

    Learn more →

  • A group of 16 young adults gathered around a wooden dining table in a cozy, warmly lit room, smiling at the camera with some pumpkins and small bowls on the table.

    Young Zen

    Most Sundays • 2:30pm

    Peer-led meditation practice for students and young adults, followed by group discussion and social time.

    Learn more →

  • Group of eight people standing inside a room, smiling for the photo.

    Elder Zen

    Last Saturday each month • 11am

    A supportive community that allows us to explore our experiences of aging through meditation and discussion.

    Learn more →

  • Decorative incense burner with smoke rising from incense sticks, with golden pinecone accents in the background.

    Unpacking Whiteness

    1st and 3rd Wednesdays • 8:15pm

    Online study and reflection group examining examining racial privilege through Zen practice.

    Learn more →

  • Traditional Chinese wooden doors with lattice designs, a scroll of Chinese text on the right, potted plants on the ground, and wooden furniture in front.

    BIPOC Zen

    Second Wednesdays • 5:00pm

    A practice community for self-identifying BIPOC practitioners.

    Learn more →

Community Partnerships

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!

People painting and preparing a room, with some workers on ladders, and others cleaning or organizing in the foreground. The room has tall windows and a hardwood floor, with various painting supplies and tools scattered around.
A group of people participating in a calligraphy class around a wooden table, with papers, brushes, and ink, practicing writing Chinese characters. There is a TV screen displaying Chinese characters and strokes in the background.
A group of ten people posing outdoors in a park, smiling, under a large tree on a sunny day.
People gather around a table with food at a social gathering, with flowers and various dishes on display.
Group of young people decorating a Christmas tree with ornaments and beads
A group of ten people outdoors in a park, smiling and posing for a photo near a large tree, some wearing casual summer clothes and accessories, with a blue sky and a fence in the background.
People painting and renovating a living room, some are painting the ceiling, others are preparing the floor and cleaning. There are various tools, paint buckets, and supplies on a plastic-covered table.
Group of people sitting around a table engaged in Chinese calligraphy practice, with books, brushes, ink bottles, papers, and a large screen displaying Chinese characters and calligraphy strokes in the background.
A group of people gathered around a table with various food dishes and floral arrangements in a cozy, indoor setting.
Group of people decorating a Christmas tree with ornaments and strings of beads in a room with curtains.

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!

A group of ten people outdoors in a park, smiling, with trees and a fence in the background. One person is holding a beach ball.
People painting and renovating a room, with various tools and supplies on a table, and workers moving and preparing to finish the interior.
Group of people practicing Chinese calligraphy at a table with brushes, ink, and paper, in a cozy room with brick walls and a large screen displaying Chinese characters.
People serving and enjoying food at a buffet table with floral arrangements, including lasagna, salads, and other dishes, in a warmly lit room.
Group of nine diverse people smiling and posing outdoors in a park under a large tree on a sunny day.
People painting and renovating a large living room, with some working on the ceiling and others preparing the floor, which is partially covered with protective sheets and painting supplies.
A group of people sitting around a table practicing Chinese calligraphy, with ink brushes, ink bottles, papers, and books on the table, and a screen displaying Chinese characters and calligraphy strokes in the background.

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!

People gathered around a table with various dishes, desserts, and flowers during a social event or buffet.
Group of young adults decorating a Christmas tree with ornaments and strings of beads in a festive indoor setting.

Option 4

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.

CZC hosts a wide range of regular community programs and also partners with organizations throughout the greater Boston area. Interested in collaborating with us? Email director@cambridgezen.org to inquire.

  • Two women sit across from each other at a wooden table, smiling and engaging in conversation. The table has white and black cups and bowls, with a potted plant with white flowers in the center. In the background, there is a framed colorful chart on the wall, a shelf with small items, and shelves with cups and containers.

    Community Dinner

    Tuesdays • 5:30pm

    Share a vegetarian meal with the Sangha before evening practice.

    Learn more →

  • Group of people in winter clothing smiling and posing in snow with shovels and tools, outside in front of a house with blue siding during snowfall.

    Work Period

    Saturdays • 8am

    Share breakfast with the Sangha followed by work practice—caring for the temple and its grounds.

    Learn more →

  • A group of 17 people sitting around a rectangular wooden table in a warmly lit room, smiling at the camera, with some pumpkins and a teapot on the table.

    Young Zen

    Most Sundays • 2:30pm

    Peer-led meditation practice for students and young adults, followed by group discussion and social time.

    Learn more →

  • A group of seven diverse adults standing indoors in front of a window and a decorative painting.

    Elder Zen

    Last Saturday each month • 11am

    A supportive community that allows us to explore our experiences of aging through meditation and discussion.

    Learn more →

  • Smoke rising from a incense stick held by a decorative stand on a table, with blurry ornate objects in the background.

    Unpacking Whiteness

    1st and 3rd Wednesdays • 8:15pm

    Online study and reflection group examining examining racial privilege through Zen practice.

    Learn more →

  • Traditional Chinese wooden lattice double doors with a signboard containing Chinese characters on the right side, a small potted plant, and a wooden table with chairs in the foreground.

    BIPOC Zen

    Second Wednesdays • 5:00pm

    A practice community for self-identifying BIPOC practitioners.

    Learn more →

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Programs
Guest Stay - Teacher's Room
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Guest Stay - Teacher's Room

Large guest room with a double bed sleeping one or two guests. Shared bathroom. Meals included. Select quantity as # of nights.

Guest Stay - Single Room
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Guest Stay - Single Room

Private room with a single bed and shared bathroom. Meals included. Select quantity as # of nights.

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American Sangha

Sister Temples Across New England

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.

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.

An elderly man dressed in traditional Buddhist monastic robes, sitting cross-legged on the floor with a group of people in similar attire, during a meditation or prayer session.
Group of people standing in front of a golden Buddha statue inside a temple, holding certificates, wearing traditional gray robes with brown sashes, some barefoot or in socks, with a large colorful Buddhist painting behind.
A group of people, including a man wearing traditional robes, sitting cross-legged on a wooden floor during a ceremony or meditation session.
Group of CZC Sangha members in Zen robes standing in a line inside the Providence Zen Center Dharma Hall, holding Precepts certificates, with a golden Buddha statue and a colorful mural in the background.

During Sangha Weekends, practitioners take precepts and attend a variety of ceremonies celebrating the Buddha’s life and teaching.

A traditional Korean temple with a blue-tiled roof surrounded by lush green trees and bushes, with purple flowers in the foreground. Diamond Hill Monastery in Providence RI.
A group of people walking in a line through a leaf-covered forest in fall or winter, dressed warmly in coats, hats, and boots.

Sangha weekend is a chance to enjoy hiking and other activities in the beautiful 50-acre Providence Zen Center.

Community Engagement

We partner with organizations throughout the greater Boston area. Interested in collaborating with us? Email director@cambridgezen.org to inquire.

About

Our Teachers

Zen Master Seung Sahn wearing traditional Zen attire, holding a white fan, with a background of dark leaves.
Headshot of Zen Master Bon Yeon with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a black top and red sweater, outdoors with blurred green foliage in the background.

Zen Master Bon Yeon

Zen Master Bon Yeon (Jane McLaughlin-Dobisz) has been Co-Guiding Teacher of CZC since 1993. She received inka (authorization to teach) in 1991, and transmission from Zen Master Seung Sahn in 2000. Before training in the Kwan Um School of Zen, she spent several years in the Tibetan and the Vipassana traditions. Zen Master Bon Yeon has completed many Kyol Che 90 day retreats in the US, Europe, and Korea, and taught around the world. She is an editor of The Whole World Is A Single Flower, a collection of kong-ans by Zen Master Seung Sahn. She is also the author of One Hundred Days of Solitude: Losing Myself and Finding Grace on a Zen Retreat, which chronicles a one hundred-day solo meditation retreat in the winter woods of New England. She is a native of the Boston area. Check out her talks via a dharma talk clip on the CZC YouTube channel.

founding teacher

Zen Master Seung Sahn

Zen Master Seung Sahn was the 78th patriarch in his line of dharma transmission in the Korean order of Chogye Buddhism and was a regular visitor and teacher at Cambridge Zen Center in the 1970s and 1980s. After a long illness, he died at his home at Hwagesa Temple in Seoul on November 30, 2004. Many videos of his talks are available on YouTube. His books include Dropping Ashes on the Buddha, The Compass of Zen, and The Whole World Is a Single Flower. Please enjoy a slideshow by Zen Master Bon Yeon (Jane Dobisz), chronicling the journey of Zen Master Seung Sahn from Korea to the West, with an emphasis on the building and establishment of the Providence Zen Center.

Guiding teachers

Close-up portrait of Zen Master Bon Shim, a middle-aged woman with blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing a light gray top, against a plain light background.

Zen Master Bon Shim

Zen Master Bon Shim (Aleksandra Porter) is Co-Guiding Teacher of CZC whenever she is in residence. She previously held the position of Regional Zen Master for the Kwan Um School of Zen in Europe, and she is currently the Guiding Teacher of Borisa in Barcelona, Spain. Zen Master Bon Shim continues to live at the Warsaw Zen Center, where she began training and served as Abbot for many years. She met Zen Master Seung Sahn in 1978, receiving Inka in 1992 and transmission in 2006. She has two adult sons and two grandchildren. Zen Master Bon Shim resides with us and teaches at CZC several months during the year.

A portrait of Dyan Eagles JDPSN, a smiling older woman with blonde hair, glasses, and a black top, standing in front of a pink wall.

Dyan Eagles JDPSN

Dyan Eagles Jido Poepsanim (Dharma master) is a Co-Guiding Teacher of Cambridge Zen Center. She began studying with Zen Master Seung Sahn in 1974. She received Inka in December 2020. Dyan is one of the founding members of Cambridge Zen Center where she served on the staff. Prior to retiring in 2019, Dyan was the Founder and CEO of DharmaCrafts, Inc. She is a long-time member of the Board of Directors.

Colin Beavan JDPSN, a middle-aged man with gray hair, glasses, and a big smile, wearing a white coat, in front of a blurry natural outdoor background.

Colin Beavan JDPSN

Colin Beavan Jido Poepsanim (Dharma master) is a teacher-in-residence for part of each year at Cambridge Zen Center. He began practicing Zen in the Kwan Um School in 1996. His home temple is the Chogye International Zen Center, and he received Inka in April, 2022. He is a father of a College-aged daughter, a trusted advisor and coach, and the author of several books, including How To Be Alive and No Impact Man.