About Us

Isthmus Zen Community was founded in 1996 and is a affiliated with the Kwan Um School of Zen, an international organization of more than 100 centers and groups founded by Zen Master Seung Sahn, the first Korean Zen Master to live and teach in the West. Our guiding teacher is Zen Master Ji Haeng, founder, and abbot of the Zen Center of Las Vegas.

We hold practice at the Quarry Arts Building, Room 170 (715 Hill St., Room 170) on Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Please see the Contact Us page for directions.

Practice generally includes chanting, one or two periods of sitting meditation, walking meditation, a short talk, and discussion.

We hold one-day, weekend, and week long retreats throughout the year. Other programs and events include: public talks by visiting Zen teachers, Buddha's Birthday and Enlightenment Day observances, and community outreach and social events. We are closely affiliated with other Kwan Um Zen centers in the Midwest, and students are encouraged to practice with these groups as opportunities present.