SOTOZEN-NET > Soto Zen Temples > Organization and temples outside Japan > Minnesota Zen Meditation Center-Ganshoji
Minnesota Zen Meditation Center was formed in 1972 when our founding head teacher, Dainin Katagiri Roshi, (1928-1990) was invited to come from California to teach a group of Minneapolis students interested in the dharma. After Katagiri Roshi's death, Shohaku Okumura served as interim head teacher until the installation of Karen Sunna, one of Katagiri Roshi's 12 dharma heirs. Succeeding Karen as head teacher is Tim Burkett, a long-time student of both Katagiri and Shunryu Suzuki Roshi. Tim received dharma transmission from Karen Sunna in 2002 and became the Head Teacher at MZMC on November 1 of that year. Seven ordained teaching assistants also lead classes, study groups, and other activities.
MZMC maintains a vibrant, welcoming community committed to the teaching and practice of Zen Buddhism. Everyone is welcome at MZMC: first-time visitors, those just beginning a meditation practice, and long-time students (current and returning) are all welcome. Everyone can develop a meditation practice, and people who participate at MZMC are encouraged to establish meditation practices that work for them. Participants study and practice at their own pace.
Activities include daily zazen, Sunday dharma talks, traditional and contemporary retreats, classes and study groups, work practice, and practice help and support from teachers and sangha members. MZMC is a member-supported non-profit organization operated by a board of directors and small staff.
Our community is located on the eastern shore of beautiful Lake Calhoun, an oasis of calm right in the middle of the sometimes-hectic city. But whether things are hectic or calm, as our founder said, “To live in peace and harmony, become yourself as you really are in the present moment as it really is.”
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