About
Hōun-an offers formal Zen practice in the Rinzai-ji style. From 2004 till July 2011 the meetings were concurrent with the Cambridge Buddhist Association’s Zazen-kai, which had been in existence since the beginning of the organization in 1957. In the fall of 2011 we moved to a new location in the Watertown Square area and named the new group Charles River Zen. The focus of the meetings is on Zazen (seated meditation), Kinhin (walking meditation), and chanting. The teachings of Tathagata Zen are given through regular Dharma talks and the opportunity to meet informally with the abbot.
The abbot and founder of the center is Kyōon Dokurō, Oshō, who received Temple Dharma Transmission from Kyōzan Jōshū Sasaki Rōshi. The group of founders also includes the vice-abbess Shūko and several other long time students of Jōshū Rōshi.
If you are interested in becoming involved with Hōun-an, Zen practice, or just want to sit quietly – please join in and practice with us. You can contact us through this site or by any means outlined in the contact form.
To accommodate new-comers and visitors we hold an Open House on the first regularly scheduled event of every month. The Open House is an opportunity to sit for a brief time, listen to a short talk, and converse over refreshments with members of the sangha. No appointment is necessary and everyone is welcome. If you cannot come to an Open House, please feel free to reach out or just come by for a regular scheduled sitting.
The staff of Hōun-an can arrange and perform Buddhist celebrations and personal ceremonies like weddings, memorial services, chanting services, child dedications and so on.