Providence Zen Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Providence Zen Center |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Kwan Um School of Zen |
| Location | |
| Location | 99 Pound Road Cumberland, Rhode Island 02864 |
| Country | United States |
| Architecture | |
| Founder | Seungsahn |
| Completed | 1972 |
| Website | |
| www.providencezen.org/ | |
The Providence Zen Center (PZC) is a special place for people who practice Zen Buddhism in the Americas. It is the main center for the Kwan Um School of Zen (KUSZ) in this part of the world. A teacher named Seungsahn started it in the United States in October 1972.
At PZC, students and teachers live together. This was important to Seungsahn, as he believed it helped people learn Zen better. People at the center, and at Diamond Hill Zen Monastery nearby, practice meditation. This includes sitting meditation (called zazen), bowing (called prostrations), and chanting.
The Providence Zen Center first opened in Providence, Rhode Island. But in 1979, it moved to its current large, 50-acre home in Cumberland, Rhode Island. A very tall structure called the Peace Pagoda stands at the front of the center's grounds. It is about 65 feet (20 meters) high. PZC also serves as the main office in the U.S. for the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.
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History of the Providence Zen Center
The Providence Zen Center was started by Seung Sahn in October 1972. It was first located on Doyle Avenue in Providence, Rhode Island. This was the first place for his American students to practice Zen. The center began after a professor from Brown University, Leo Pruden, invited Seung Sahn to talk about Buddhism. Many students then wanted to learn more from him.
In 1974, the PZC moved to Hope Street. Then, in 1978, the center got a large piece of land, about 50 acres (20 hectares), in Cumberland, Rhode Island. This is where it is located today.
Women's Role in Zen Buddhism
During the 1980s, the PZC became important for talking about the role of women in Zen Buddhism. It hosted many discussions and meetings about issues important to women. In 1982, the center started a discussion group just for women.
In 1983, PZC offered a workshop called "Feminist Principles in Zen." This workshop was led by Barbara Rhodes, Maurine Stuart, Jacqueline Schwartz, and Susan Murcott. The center also held "Women in American Buddhism" meetings in 1984 and 1985. After these, women's retreats and conferences became common at Zen centers.
Diamond Hill Zen Monastery
From 1983 to 1984, the Kwan Um School of Zen built the Diamond Hill Zen Monastery. This building is on the same land as the PZC. It is a "low, pagoda-shaped building" built in the "traditional Korean style." Today, this monastery hosts special meditation retreats called Kyol Che.
The monastery was first meant for people who had become monks or nuns. However, Seung Sahn did not show much interest in the training there. According to a long-time student, Seung Sahn did not even ask his American students to live at the monastery. Because of this, the Diamond Hill Zen Monastery has remained a smaller part of Seung Sahn's work in America.
Kyol Che Meditation Retreats
The Providence Zen Center holds two main meditation retreats each year. There is a three-month Winter Kyol Che retreat. There is also a four-week Summer Kyol Che retreat. Both of these retreats take place at the Diamond Hill Zen Monastery.
Images for kids
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Peace Pagoda
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Grave of Hyon Jok at Providence Zen Center in Cumberland, RI
