The ABA was founded in 1955 by the Rev. Gyomay Kubose to "study, publish and make known the principles of Buddhism and to encourage the understanding and application of these principles in the general American public." Although the organization has its roots in Japanese Buddhism (Jodo Shinshu and Zen), it considers itself an independent, nonsectarian religious organization of American Buddhists openly embracing all paths.
Activities: We publish books, pamphlets, audio-visual materials, sponsor seminars, provide speakers and act as a resource center. We also have an on-going meditation program known as the Harmony Zen Center. We gather for meetings and activities at various organizations or in members' homes.
We actively support other organizations, such as the Buddhist Temple of Chicago, The Buddhist Council of the Midwest and the National Conference of Christians and Jews. We also work with radio, TV and the press, as well as outreach programs by invitation, as part of our goal of "making known to the general American public" Buddhist teachings that are applicable to everyday living, for awakening understanding and compassion, and for activating peace and harmony.
The Harmony Zen Center, an affiliate of the ABA, offers meditation programs to the Buddhist Temple of Chicago, other churches, groups and individuals. Its scheduled Meditation/Services at 1151 W. Leland (Chicago) are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 6:30-7:30 a.m., and Tuesday and Thursday, 7:00-8:00 p.m. and on Sunday 9-10 a.m., followed by an optional social breakfast. Individual and group instruction is scheduled on a regular basis and guidance is always available on request; call for the schedule. An outreach sesshin is also held on Tuesdays from 8-9:30 p.m. at the Second Unitarian Church, 656 W. Barry (Chicago) and at the Lake Street Church (Evanston) at 607 Lake Street on the first and third Saturday 10-11 a.m. While there are no fees, good-will offerings are accepted, to be used in part for a Retreat Center Project. A whole host of other related activities are also available and made known via a tri-annual newsletter.