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Buddhist temples abound in the city of Chicago.

Tuesday Mar 22, 2005.     By Genevra Gallo

Lifestyle Feed

What better time to turn over a new leaf than spring? As the snow thaws and the warmer weather gets everyone's bodies a-buzzin', you can squirrel away some time to nurture your spirit and explore the many Buddhist temples Chicago has to offer. It may be just the right fit to focus your mind, center your body and rejuvenate your spirit.

Don't know much about Buddhism? That's okay! You can take advantage of the introductory/beginner sessions offered, which give you the basics of meditation and Buddhist principals, as well as any specific rules or formats followed at that particular temple. Some are very formal, requiring a traditional sitting posture when meditating, the removal of shoes and even the wearing of robes, while others take on a more casual or social approach. Some offer dharma talks, retreats or breakfast after meditation; others offer services in Korean or Japanese, or additional ceremonies such as weddings, remembrances or funerals.

As with any new hobby or religious practice, it's best to do your research: Talk to the temple's staff and volunteers and try different spots out until you find the one that feels like the best fit. With a bit of patience and a dedication to adventure, you'll be comfortably meditating as you contemplate the meaning of Zen in time to embrace the summer with a new level of insight!

Chicago Zen Buddhist Temple
Ideal for beginners and former practitioners alike, this large temple hosts public meditation services each week in its beautiful three-story location in Roscoe Village. Beginners are welcome to introductory meditation classes, as well as beginner's Zen retreats. Those wishing to further their spiritual education can become temple members and even join the Maitreya Buddhist Seminary to become dharma teachers or priests. The temple has two meditation areas, a bookstore and separate corridors for students and residents.

Kong Sim, a current seminary student, says "This is a very good place for people wishing to begin practice based on spiritual meditation; it's also good for people who want to learn meditation but aren't interested in Buddhism." The temple blends North American and Korean influences, offering English services and dharma talks, meditation from the floor or in chairs and no requirement to wear robes, as well as chanting in Korean, a beautiful meditation area with statues, brightly colored flags and traditional zambutons and zafus (meditation cushions and pillows), and the request to remove shoes at the door.

Zen Buddhist Temple of Chicago
Located in Evanston, this unpretentious temple offers meditation services in the Soto Zen tradition, which include chanting, zazen (seated meditation) and kinhin (walking meditation). Newcomers are very welcomed, and instructions are offered before each service, which lasts about two hours. The temple shares space with the adjacent Chinese Cultural Academy, allowing students access to books, special events and classes (such as tai chi).

A simple storefront with an intimate feel, this temple offers a lot of personal attention. No special clothing is required, and those seeking more intense study can take advantage of meditation retreats and guest speakers. Incense, audiocassettes and other meditation supplies are available on site and will soon be sold online as well.

Buddhist Temple of Chicago
For those seeking a more Judeo-Christian feel to their Zen practice, the Buddhist Temple of Chicago combines a Western-based, church-like experience with traditional Buddhist teachings in a Japanese tradition. This small temple contains honey-wood pews, a small piano and a simple alter at the end of a carpeted aisle, along with administrative offices. Services are structured much like Western services, with an introduction, hymns and a minister or layperson's message. However, the service explores the central tenants of Buddhism and includes chanting, readings, incense and gongs.

The temple also holds services in Japanese and hosts several other affiliates, such as a Japanese language school, a children's dharma school, the Kokyo Taiko group (Japanese drumming), the American Buddhist Association (see Heartland Sangha in this article) and the Chicago Kendo Dojo. The temple has plans for relocation to a new space, so check the Web site or call ahead for service locations and times.

Heartland Sangha
Heartland Sangha takes a very American approach to Buddhism, building on the intentions of founder Reverend Gyomay Kobose (who also founded the Buddhist Temple of Chicago). Rev. Kuobse founded this meditation group in 1989, embracing a non-dualistic, pan-sectarian Buddhism. The group holds meditation services in two different locations (Lake Street Church and the Buddhist Temple of Chicago) and focuses on religious activities and community outreach.

Weekly meditation includes sitting and walking, followed by dharma talks, readings and chants. While the group's roots are in Japanese Buddhism, it takes a unique approach, incorporating elements often found in Western services and allowing laypeople (practitioners who are not monks, teachers or priests) to develop services and organize programs in the community.

Diamond Way Buddhist Temple
If you're looking for a setting with an intimate yet social feel, this temple combines a Western focus with the Tibetan tradition of Karma Kagyu, emphasizing oral transmission and meditation. A simple altar sits between two windows in an intimate space with white walls and light wood accents, creating a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Tibetan scrolls and artwork adorn the walls, and practitioners meditate on the floor. Newcomers are always welcome; meditation services begin with instruction, followed by a 30-minute guided meditation. Socialization follows, with talk, questions and refreshments.

The center also boasts a library and dharma shop with a selection of books, videos, CDs and pamphlets. Lama Ole Nydahl, a Westerner himself, and his wife, Hannah, can be found teaching at the center, as well as traveling across Europe to share their concepts of Buddhism.

Ancient Dragon Zen Gate
This relative newcomer, founded in 2003 by Taigen Dan Leighton, focuses on Soto Zen meditation practice. Weekly meditation services include a 30-minute introduction for beginners, followed by 40 minutes of zazen (zen meditation) and a 15-minute Soto Zen Buddhist service that includes chanting. A Dharma discussion follows, focusing on Taigen's teachings through writings and Dharma talks.

In additional to weekly meditation, the temple also offers half-day sitting sessions that combine zazen, zen chants and a dharma discussion, with lunch and socializing afterward. Additional special events are listed on its Web site; all services are held at Cenacle Retreat and Conference Center, tucked among tulips and trees in along a quiet, tree-lined street in Lincoln Park. Comfortable, clean and filled with light, this spot provides a peaceful setting within which to meditate.