Vision

Through our spiritual practice and personal lives, we do our utmost to attain enlightenment, and with wisdom and compassion, to help save all beings from suffering. By practicing together we can change our karma and help others.

The Zen center provides daily morning and evening practice, monthly retreats, Dharma talks and other opportunities for Zen training and sangha life in an urban setting. Please check our Programs link for details and schedules.

CZC History

The Cambridge Zen Center was founded in 1973 by some of the earliest students of Zen Master Seung Sahn, the first Korean Zen master to teach in the West. It was established as a residential Zen practicing community and is still thriving with over 35 residents in training and over 120 practicing members in the greater Boston area.

Originally the center was at various locations including Spark Street, Grey Gardens area in Cambridge, Allston and finally at our present location in Central Square since 1982. The center provides public programs to members and visitors from the greater Boston area and worldwide, and houses resident training members and families in the 20,000 sq.ft urban location with a beautifully landscaped garden.

As one of the largest Buddhist outreach organizations in Massachusetts and as the second largest residential Zen training locations in the country, CZC’s convenient location near Central Square between Harvard and MIT, and in a diverse ethnic community makes it frequently visited by students, academics, professionals and people from all walks of life, religion, profession and lifestyles. Outreach to ongoing Zen groups at various universities include Harvard University, Boston College, Boston University, Wellesley College, as well as teaching at public schools and ecumenical events with various other spiritual traditions.