The Pluralism Project at Harvard University

History

The Manhattan (Kansas) Zen Center is part of the Pure Mind Center for the Meditative Arts. The Pure Mind Center’s building, a geodesic dome, was originally built as a preschool and then was converted into a business before it was purchased by the Pure Mind Foundation, headed by Stan Stitz. The center houses several other meditative arts groups.

Katagiri Roshi, a Zen teacher who came from Korea to San Francisco and later to the Minneapolis Zen Center, was the impetus for the Manhattan Zen Group’s founding. He was a teacher of Soto Zen Buddhism and inspired many groups in the Midwest. Through him, Buddhists in the Manhattan area of Kansas were inspired to form the Group.

Activities and Schedule

The Manhattan Zen Group has about 5 members, most over the age of 60. They meet on Saturdays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:00 a.m. and on Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. The sessions consist of walking and sitting meditation. Sometimes the group meets at members’ homes. Members encourage people from different backgrounds to participate.

While the center is open to anyone for the practice of meditation, it does not currently host any special events. In addition to meditative groups, the center has facilities available for yoga classes, Jin Shin Jyutsu, silent sitting, and Tai Chi practice.