Join Us on A Path of Wisdom and Compassion
RYUGENJI
Madison Rinzai Zen
A branch temple of Korinji Rinzai Zen Monastery,
under the guidance of Meido Moore Roshi
ABOUT US
Ryugenji, Madison's first Rinzai Zen temple, was founded in 2013 to make the profound path of Zen available to all. We are a friendly, supportive community meditating together twice a week on the East side. Beginners are always welcome!
Our meetings are led by the Rinzai Zen master and author Meido Moore Roshi, assisted by senior students of his who reside in Madison.
Ryugenji is the Madison branch temple of Korinji, a Rinzai Zen monastery just north of Reedsburg, Wisconsin.
Korinji is the headquarters monastery of the Korinji Rinzai Zen Community, our worldwide circle of practice groups and
Zen centers, and attracts students from around the world.
Our Japanese temple name Ryugenji translates as "Dragon-Source Temple." This name was chosen by Meido Roshi in connection to Manto-ka,
"serpent maker", the name of Lake Mendota among the Potawatomi people. This largest lake upon the shores of which Madison sits has long been regarded by Indigenous Americans as the abode of powerful water spirits. A community so located might be, he felt, the maker of great Zen practitioners.
OUR MEETINGS
New members are welcome! On your first visit you'll be given basic meditation instruction. This will allow you to start your own daily practice, and to begin developing a relationship with our teacher and community.
INTRODUCTION TO MEDITATION
Sundays 12:30pm - 2pm
Instruction in the core Zen practice of seated meditation. Through meditation, the body, breath, and mind are unified to reveal our intrinsic natural wisdom.
This Sunday meeting is ideal for new members: instruction in basic Zen meditation will be given to first-timers. Dokusan, individual meetings with the teacher, and chanting practice follow. A short talk or question/answer session ends each practice.
Suggested offering for guests: $10
Location:
Aikido of Madison
2219 Atwood Ave, Madison, Wisconsin
(Please enter in rear of the building)
ZEN MEDITATION AND CHANTING
Tuesdays 7pm - 8:15pm
Zen meditation and chanting practice. A short Dharma talk or question/answer session follows. Our weeknight meetings are primarily for those students who have already received basic instruction in Zen meditation (which we offer at our Sunday afternoon meetings).
Suggested offering for guests: $10
Location:
Shambhala Center of Madison
408 S. Baldwin St, Madison, Wisconsin
UPCOMING EVENTS
See our full local event schedule on the Korinji event Calendar.
April 11-13
ZEN LIFE RETREAT AT KORINJI MONASTERY
3-day intensive meditation retreat led by Meido Roshi at our monastery in Wisconsin. Begins evening of Friday 4/11 and ends Sunday late morninig 4/13. This event is specifically geared toward beginners who have never attended a full sesshin before. It is also appropriate for those whose age or condition might preclude regular dai-sesshin. (Total amount of sitting per day is reduced, sleeping hours are increased). Full meditation instruction will be given the first evening.
Please see this page on the Korinji site for details.
May 11-17
DAI-SESSHIN AT KORINJI
Intensive 7-day meditation retreat led by Meido Roshi at our monastery in Wisconsin. Begins evening of 5/11 and ends evening of 5/17. Partial attendance is permitted.
Please see this page on the Korinji site for details.
June 8-14
DAI-SESSHIN AT KORINJI
Intensive 7-day meditation retreat led by Meido Roshi at our monastery in Wisconsin. Begins evening of 6/8 and ends evening of 6/14. Partial attendance is permitted.
Please see this page on the Korinji site for details.
August 8-10
ZEN: ONE SCHOOL, ONE MIND
A special weekend event with Meido Roshi and special guest teacher Dosho Port Roshi. Through practice, talks, and encounter we will explore the commonalities and distinctions of the Soto and Rinzai paths together.
Please see this page on the Korinji site for details.
June 8-14
SHUGENDO MOUNTAIN TRAINING in WI
Mine-gyo, a 3-day formal Shugendo mountain training. Conducted at Korinji and in nearby natural areas.
Please see this page on the Korinji site for details.
July 6-12
DAI-SESSHIN IN SWITZERLAND
Intensive 7-day meditation retreat led by Meido Roshi in Chironico, Ticino Canto, Switzerland.
Please see this page on the Korinji site for details.
MEMBERSHIP
For your first class with us you may make an offering by PayPal or in person by Venmo or cash (suggested: $10).
Afterward, we ask that you become a member by joining Korinji's Patreon page, which supports our community. Patreon membership allows you to attend any of our meetings. It also gives you access to a large, constantly growing library of instructional videos and other digital resources supporting your Zen practice.
OUR TEACHER
Meido Moore Roshi
Meido Moore is a 48th-generation Rinzai Zen lineage holder, in the line of the famous 20th century master Omori Sogen Roshi. He serves as the abbot of nearby Korinji monastery and guiding teacher of the Korinji Rinzai Zen Community, the worldwide sangha for which Korinji serves as headquarters. When not teaching at Korinji, he travels often to guide his students here in Madison and internationally.
Meido Roshi is the author of The Rinzai Zen Way: A Guide to Practice and Hidden Zen: Practices for Sudden Awakening and Embodied Realization.
Learn more about Meido Roshi on the Korinji site here.
RSVP AND MEDITATE WITH US
To come to your first class, just RSVP below (please let us know what class date you wish to come).
Any loose, comfortable clothing will be suitable for your first visit (no shorts or short skirts please).
We also welcome your questions!
LINKS
KORINJI MONASTERY
The spiritual center and headquarters of the Korinji Rinzai Zen Community. Korinji is a traditional monastic
training center located on 17 forested acres about 8 miles north of Reedsburg, WI.
Please see the Korinji site for more information on Rinzai Zen, resources to support your home practice, worldwide events, and more.
DRIFTLESS ZEN COMMUNITY
Our sister location in Baraboo, Wisconsin, meeting Friday evenings.
Madison members may attend practice in Baraboo for no additional donation!
Details on the Korinji practice groups page here.