Cultivating an awakened world that transforms suffering into compassion and delusion into wisdom

Upcoming Programs

SUMMER MEDITATION RETREAT:
Balance, Resilience, Peace
July 18–20

Find your center in the heart of summer. Join Roshi Robert Athouse and Roshi June Tanoue for an immersive 3-day journey into balance, resilience, and peace.

FOUNDATIONS OF MINDFULNESS
August 10, 2024
(in-person only)

In just four weeks, transform your relationship with stress, anxiety, and life’s challenges through our time-tested Zen mindfulness practices. Join us at the Zen Life & Meditation Center, where for over 10 years we’ve guided thousands to find clarity and calm in the heart of Chicago.

FALL MEDITATION RETREAT:
ZEN AUTUMN: Harvesting Wisdom, Cultivating Peace

Sept 1-7 (Full 7-Day)
Sept 1-4 (3-Day Option)
As leaves turn and summer’s busyness fades, the natural world invites us to turn inward. It’s the perfect time to deepen your Zen practice and reap the bounty of wisdom and peace. Join us for our annual Fall Meditation Retreat, a profound journey guided by our esteemed co-founders, Roshi Robert Althouse and Roshi June Tanoue.

Key Offerings

SUNDAY MORNING ZEN

Join us and discover the joy of a warm-hearted community. Each morning participate in Zen Buddhist services, group meditation, inspiring dharma talks. The program concludes with a fellowship hour in community room that includes snacks and tea. Program is hybrid

RETREATS

ZLMC offers many meditation retreats each year ranging from one-day, three-day and seven-days. Retreats can be attended online or in-person.

CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

ZLMC offers a wide diversity of classes and workshops focusing on mindfulness, meditation, zen and buddhism

ZEN TRAINING

Become a Zen student and study one-on-one with a fully empowered Zen Master and Priest.

Our Mission

To empower you to live a Zen-inspired life of openness, empathy and clarity.

Get in touch

Become a member

There are different ways to become a member. Join today and help us fulfill our mission, and let us support your practice.

Meet our Abbot, Roshi Robert Althouse

Schedule a 30 minute online interview with Roshi.

Join us this Sunday for a talk with Adrian Ayres Fisher, titled “Tree, Serpent, and Buddha's Footprints”. With degrees in English and education, and training in botany, horticulture and natural-area restoration, Adrian Ayres Fisher educa
We warmly invite you and the children in your life to join us for a special "Family Morning Zen" program designed to introduce the whole family to the wonders of mindfulness and Zen. This unique event offers a fantastic opportunity for pare
It’s party time! Join our Summer Solstice Party to raise the final $10,000 for our Four Seasons Capital Campaign for a new heating and cooling system in our building. Visit our website at WWW.ZLMC.ORG to purchase tickets. — #zenbuddhi
Join us tomorrow for Steven Parker's talk. Steven Parker and his family have been long-time members of the Sangha. He is the father of two unique people and loves hanging out with their mother. For 45 years, Steven's work has been to help people cre