Visit us

To help you plan your visit, please read the following FAQ. If you would like to learn more, please visit our Zazen services page. If you have further questions, please contact us.

Can anyone attend services?

Yes, all of our services are open to everyone. Newcomers are always welcome.

If you have never been to the Temple before, please inform whomever greets you that this is your first time. They will ensure that you are given instructions at appropriate points throughout the service.

What should I wear?

We have no specific dress code at the Temple.

Since our practice involves seated meditation, we recommend that you wear clothing that is loose and comfortable enough to allow you to sit comfortably for an extended period of time. Sitting in a chair is also an option.

Do I have to be a Buddhist to practice zazen (Zen meditation)?

No, it is not necessary to be a Buddhist to practice meditation. A number of people who regularly attend our services are not Buddhists. Anyone is able to practice zazen, regardless of their personal belief system.

What can I expect during a Zazen service?

A Zazen service consists of chanting, two forty-minute periods of Zazen (seated meditation) with ten minutes of kinhin (walking meditation) between them, and a teisho (talk) during the second period. After service, you may ask questions over tea.

For a detailed description of what you can expect during our Zazen services, please visit our Zazen services page.

Do you charge any fees for your services or retreats?

‍No, we do not charge any fees for our services or sesshin.

However, since we are a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious organization and we are supported solely by attendant donations, we ask you to make a donation as suggested below:
‍
- Zazen service: $10
- One-day sesshin: $50
- Three-day sesshin: $100

If your circumstances do not allow, we are very appreciative of whatever offering you are willing to share.

When are services held?

Zazen services are held weekly on:

- Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (in-person and online)
- Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (in-person)
- Tuesday from 6:10 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. (online only)
- Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (in-person and online)
- Thursday from 6:10 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. (online only)

Monthly sesshin (all-day meditation retreat) are held on the first Saturday of each month. Please visit our Sesshin page to learn more.

Please visit our Calendar for an overview of ZBTC services and other events.

Where are services held?

In-person services are held at:

608 Dempster St
Evanston, IL 60202

You can join online services via Zoom. For more details, including how to attend online services, please visit our Online services page.

Where can I park?

Metered street parking is available on both sides of Dempster St. and throughout Evanston.

Free parking is available on Sundays only.