Olympia Zen Center is a member of the Soto Zen Buddhist Association and the American Zen Teachers' Association.
Who We Are
Olympia Zen Center is a
community of lay practitioners of Zen Buddhism of the Soto Zen tradition founded
by the 13th century priest Eihei Dogen Zenji. We teach the practice of Zazen,
sitting meditation, and other forms that have their origins in the monastic
practice. We come together for Zazen daily and weekly at our temple, Ryoko-an,
to renew our enthusiasm for practice in the company of Sangha.
The word "Sangha" is a Sanskrit word that means the community of followers of the way of practice. Our Sangha is made up of natural people of all professions and ages. We have a special interest in the arts, care-giving, hospice and prisoner reentry support. We have open, honest dialogue with an appreciation for the virtue of lightheartedness.
An elected Board of Directors conducts the business of the Sangha with meetings open to everyone. We encourage everyone's participation in all activities and offer training in all aspects of Zen practice. We are supported through the generosity and efforts of Sangha, and are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization.