The BROWN ZEN COMMUNITY -- commonly known as the "Brown Zen Group" -- is one of Brown's oldest Buddhist groups. Officially recognized as a student organization by the University in 1987, the BZC has been active in the community for over thirty years.
Our purpose is to provide a free and open space for members of the Brown community and beyond to practice Zen, whether curious beginners or aged bodhisattvas. No experience is neccessary! Introductions and instructions are given upon request.
In addition to supporting a daily meditation program throughout the week, our group is committed to inviting guest teachers from the Providence Zen Center, and other area Buddhist organizations, to lend guidance and wisdom to our practice.
Since the beginning, our organization has maintained strong ties with the Kwan Um School of Zen, which was originally founded by Zen Master Seung Sahn in the early 1970s with the help of Brown Students. Our practice is based in this tradition.
The KWAN UM SCHOOL OF ZEN is an international organization of more than a hundred centers and groups founded by Zen Master Seung Sahn, the first Korean Zen Master to live and teach in the West. The School's purpose is to make this practice of Zen Buddhism available to an ever-growing number of students throughout the world.
The heart of the Kwan Um School of Zen is the daily practice which goes on in its Zen centers and groups. Students and visitors eat together, work together, and meditate together -- gradually attaining a clear compassionate mind which moment to moment is able to help all beings. We offer training in Zen meditation through meditation instruction, daily morning and evening practice, public talks, teaching interviews, sittings, retreats and workshops. Our programs are open to anyone regardless of previous experience and are often offered at no cost.