Zen Center of Los Angeles Religious Sights
Zen Buddhist center
Los Angeles,
CA, 90006
United States
+1 213 387 2351
+1 213 387 2377
http://www.zencenter.com
info@zcla.org
Overview
The Zen Center of Los Angeles has a 30-year history as a Zen training and practice center. In recent years, Zen philosophy has taken hold among mainstream society, and its principles and practices are taught in corporations, meditation groups and nonreligious devotees alike. Newly renovated and carpeted, the center area allows people to gather to hear and participate in talks. It also offers introductory classes at various levels. Newcomer classes are available, and instruction is given in zazen, the central Zen practice of sitting meditation. Check the Web site or call for specific classes, events and details. The center also sponsors retreats throughout the year.
Like any religion, Zen can lose sight of its essence. It perhaps takes longer because Zen is a practice rather than a teaching. No question: ZCLA looks just fine but it is dead. It is all about robes and sutras and chants; all about personal attainment. If you are interested in adding a chit to your experience jar then by all means, enjoy the trip. If you want to wake up, find a real teacher and a real sangha. Life passes quickly and with it opportunity is lost. Awake.
I have been practicing Zen for about 6 years now. On my visits to L.A. I make time to visit ZCLA. (I plan on returning there in October 2005). From the early morning Zazen to the classes for beginners, there is something there for a Zen practitioner at any level. The bookstore and gift shop is small but packed with items of interest (ask for Bert). I have been happy with their mail order also.
