Greater Boston Zen Center is a community (sangha) of people who endeavor to aspire to live awakened lives through practice of this ancient Buddhist tradition. Our  sangha-led sangha is based in the vicinity of Boston, MA. We offer regular practice opportunities, instruction, discussion groups, and occasional retreats. At this time all our weekly activities are online as we search for a new physical venue.

We believe that we are all both fully Buddha Nature and flawed human beings. With realization of our Buddha Nature we are liberated. The delusion that we are separate, permanent beings lifts and we come home to our real lives, as they are. And because—no matter how long we have practiced or what titles we might hold—we are never thoroughly rid of our self-centered habits, we study the Zen ethical teachings. We humbly strive to practice them as individuals and as a community.

We reject the notion that sanghas need to be guided by a special “Zen Master” or Roshi. We have seen that such a structure too often leads to arrogance and abuses of power. Instead, we are led by an elected board. Our practice leaders and others who may offer instruction are all simply Zen learners who may be farther along the path. We welcome anyone who aspires to the Buddha Way, including those seeking to start Zen practice and those seeking to heal from harms encountered along the path.