SOTOZEN-NET > Soto Zen Temples > Organization and temples outside Japan > Zen Center of Los Angeles-Busshinji
Welcome to the Zen Center of Los Angeles! Since its founding in 1967 by the Venerable Taizan Maezumi Roshi (1931-1995), a seminal figure in the development of Zen Buddhism in the West, ZCLA/Buddha Essence Temple has provided the teachings and practice of Zen Buddhism to all who come and go through its temple gate and beyond. Located in the heart of metropolitan Los Angeles, ZCLA encompasses three primary functions: as a Buddhist organization (ZCLA, Inc.), as a temple (Busshin-ji or Buddha Essence Temple), and as a Zen Buddhist training place and residency (Normandie Mountain.)
We are a Center in the White Plum Lineage and a member of the White Plum organization (www.whiteplum.org), a unique Zen family that utilizes zazen, koan practice, and contemporary skillful means for awakened living, and a member of the Zen Peacemaker Sangha (www.zenpeacemakers.org), which focuses on social action.
Our mission is to know the Self, maintain the precepts, and serve others. We serve by providing the teaching, training, and transmission of Zen Buddhism. Our vision is an enlightened world in which suffering is transcended, all beings live in harmony, everyone has enough, deep wisdom is realized, and compassion flows unhindered. We are organized according to the Five Buddha Family Mandala and undertake a practice of collective awakening.
We affirm our intention to honor diversity and actively welcome all people, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, physical and mental ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background. Our core values and core practices are listed on our website at www.zencenter.org under governance.
We observe a daily schedule [www.zencenter.org] of zazen, liturgical services, and work practice. The Center's programs [www.zencenter.org] include introductory classes, sesshin, workshops and training periods, face-to-face meetings with Abbot Wendy Egyoku Nakao and other Center teachers, and explorations in collective stewardship. Center members are engaged in social justice and environmental work and the Center itself is engaged in a prison ministry and a food bank.
Visitors are welcome as are short-term guests. Please contact the Guest Steward at Gueststeward@zcla.org, if you are interested in guest residency. There are also opportunities to stay as an extended guest resident or resident trainee. Please contact our office info@zcla.org to learn more about these opportunities.
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