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Maezumi Institute: Overview : Zen Track

Graphic depiction of the House of One People
The House of One People of The Maezumi Institute

The effects of Zen practice unfolds in the meditation halls, at work, within families and within community. For the past 25 years Zen Peacemakers, an order founded by Bernard Tetsugen Glassman, has been developing new forms, methods and structures in the areas of social Action and Zen practice, emphasizing the transformation of the individual and society.

The first of the Four Great Vows in Zen Buddhism is to save all sentient beings. That includes not just those coming into the meditation hall (zendo.) Those coming into American zendos now are by and large middle-class Caucasians, men and women. They are not disenfranchised minorities such as African-Americans or Hispanics. Nor are they the poor, the homeless, displaced war veterans, or ex-cons. This is very unfortunate. The Dharma is immense and profound. Its teachings regarding suffering and an end to suffering have had immeasurable value for many millions of people across different countries, continents and cultures. Yet here, in this country, it is not spreading to those people with the greatest need.

What do we mean when we talk of spreading the teachings of the Dharma? Do we mean bringing more people into zendos? Do we mean having more people who formally affiliate themselves with Zen Buddhism? Or do we mean bringing the teachings of the Dharma to all walks of life, to all areas of endeavor, and making them relevant to all segments of the American population?

Zen Ministry Training Program

For over a quarter of a century, Zen Peacemakers has been committed to integrating social action programs with Zen practice. Whether working with the unemployed, with homeless families or people with AIDS, in urban ghettos or in war-torn lands, it has faced the challenge of caring for people of all ethnicities across the economic spectrum while maintaining a strong practice of realizing the interdependence of all life.

In January 2009 Zen Peacemakers will open Zen Houses to serve communities in the inner-city. Houses will provide meals, shelter, life and job skills, family assistance, and a Pathmaker Program. They will be staffed by Zen Peacemaker Lay Ministers, Priests, and Activists, who in turn will receive their training at the Maezumi Institute. A Resident Training Program is now scheduled to begin by April 2008, providing training to those who wish to practice in the area of peacemaking and social service. This group of resident trainees will study best means for transformationÑof individuals, neighborhoods, and society. Those with the appropriate qualifications will receive a Zen Peacemakers Minister Ordination .


177 Ripley Road | Montague, MA 01351 | Phone: (413) 367-2080 | 2007 Zen Peacemakers