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What we’re about

Interested in learning about Zen / Chan meditation from traditional Buddhist monastics? Interested in going to meditation retreats? Or learning about Zen / Chan Buddhist teachings? This meetup group is to help those interested in traditional Zen / Chan Buddhism to learn and participate.

The Chan Meditation Center (CMC), located in Elmhurst (Queens), New York,
was founded by the late Chan Master Sheng Yen in 1977 with the purpose of bringing Chinese Chan [Zen] Buddhism to the Western world.

CMC is open year round. The organization runs various programs to teach the doctrine and practice of Chan Buddhism, to promote the purification of human life, and to preserve traditional Chinese culture.

The Center is also a small monastery where bhikshus and bhikshunis (fully ordained monks and nuns) live and practice the traditional precepts. Among the activities offered at CMC are: meditation classes/retreats, Dharma classes, Tai-Chi classes; Sunday Dharma talks and Buddhist services, Monday evening chanting practice; and Tuesday evening meditation practice.

We welcome all those interested in meditation and the study and practice of Buddhism, regardless of background, age, religion or ethnic origin.