ZEN BUDDHIST TEMPLE
(BUDDHIST SOCIETY OF COMPASSIONATE WISDOM)
1710 W. Cornelia (Near Ashland & Belmont)
Chicago, IL 60657-1219
Telephone: (773) 528-8685
Contact person: Ven. Samu Sunim

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This temple was formally opened in the summer of 1992. Ven. Samu Sunim has temples also in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Toronto, Ontario, and Mexico City, Mexico. Zen training is taught as both a spiritual and physical discipline, based on a clear and simple lifestyle with a strong focus. Simplicity, clarity, and spiritual joy are guidelines in attaining peace of mind, developing a compassionate heart and encouraging right livelihood.

Ven. Samu Sunim came alone to the United States in 1967. He founded the Zen Lotus Society (now called the Buddhist Society of Compassionate Wisdom) in New York City in 1967. He founded the Zen Buddhist Temple of Toronto in 1971, the Zen Buddhist Temple of Ann Arbor in 1982, the Zen Buddhist Study Group in Mexico City in 1984, and the Zen Buddhist Temple in Chicago in August of 1992.

This temple wishes to reach into the mainstream of American society, including all ethnicities, genders and socioeconomic levels. Training and ordination programs are open to all.

Introductory meditation courses are offered regularly, as are one, two, and five day retreats.  There is also a two- month summer retreat from June 15 through August 15. The temple is also building a year around retreat center in order to meet the growing demand for such a facility in the Chicagoland area.

The Maitreya Buddhist Seminary run by the Buddhist Society of Compassionate Wisdom provides three year residential and nonresidential training program leading to ordination as a priest or Dharma teacher (lay minister). Inquires are welcome.