Community Programs & Initiatives

Sangha is a Buddhist term to refer to a community of practitioners. Community activities at the Zen center emphsize together-action—acting in harmony with others.

  • Two women sitting at a table and chatting, with tea cups and small bowls on a wooden tray in front of them. One woman is wearing glasses and a green cardigan, the other has dark hair tied back with a checkered hair tie and is wearing a black sweatshirt. There is a colorful framed diagram on the wall and a shelf with various jars behind them.

    Community Dinner

    Tuesdays • 5:30pm

    The Sangha comes together to eat a healthy vegetarian meal before evening practice.

    Learn More →

  • Group of people dressed in winter clothing standing in snow outside a house, some holding shovels and snow tools, celebrating and smiling together in a snowy setting.

    Work Period

    Saturdays • 8am

    The Sangha comes together for breakfast followed by work practice—caring for the temple and its grounds.

    Learn more →

  • Group of people sitting around a large dining table in a cozy room, smiling for the photo, with some pumpkins and a teapot on the table.

    Young Zen

    Non-retreat Sundays • 12:30pm

    Peer-led meditation practice for students and young adults, followed by group discussion and social time.

    Learn more →

  • Seven people standing indoors in front of a cream-colored curtain and green artwork, smiling.

    Elder Zen

    Last Saturday of the month, 11am

    A supportive community that explores our experiences of aging through meditation and discussion.

    Learn more →

  • Traditional wooden door with intricate lattice pattern, a white and red wall with Chinese writing, and potted plants at the bottom.

    BIPOC Zen

    1st Wed. and 3rd Sun. each month

    A safe space for self-identifying BIPOC practitioners to explore contemplative practices.

    Learn more →

  • Incense sticks burning with smoke rising in a room.

    Unpacking Whiteness

    1st and 3rd Wed. each month, 8:15pm

    Online study and reflection group examining examining racial privilege through Zen practice.

    Learn more →

We partner with organizations throughout the greater Boston area for workshops and outreach. Interested in collaborating with us? Email director@cambridgezen.org to inquire.

  • A small metallic Buddha statue sitting on lush greenery with soft bokeh lights in the background.

    Prison Dharma Program

    Tuesdays and Wednesdays

    A group of KUSZ members that practice with our prison Sangha.

    Learn more →

  • Group of people posing together indoors, some smiling, with a dark blue curtain in the background.

    BU Zen Community


    We partner with this student group at BU to provide meditation instruction and host retreats.

    Go to BU Zen page→

  • Modern library interior with bookshelves, cozy armchairs, and a large glass enclosure containing plants and rocks, with a concrete ceiling and walls.

    Library Zen


    Public meditation instruction in partnership with the Cambridge Public Library.

    (Details TBD)

  • Temple Visit Program for Schools


    An educational field trip program for schools in the greater Boston area.

    Learn more →

  • Meditation Workshops for Teams


    A mindfulness experience for teams.

    Learn more →

Group of diverse smiling people outdoors in a park, standing under a large tree on a sunny day, with some holding a beach ball.
People preparing and painting the walls of a living room with paint supplies, brushes, and painter's tape, while some are on ladders or standing around.

In addition to the regular community programming, we have a wide variety of seasonal opportunities for socializing with the sangha, including a yearly Thanksgiving Potluck, canoeing trips, and a variety of one-off workshops, so keep an eye out on the Events Calendar and sign up for our weekly Newsletter to stay informed!

A group of people practicing calligraphy together around a wooden table, with papers, brushes, and ink, inside a cozy room with brick walls and a large monitor displaying Chinese characters.
People gather around a buffet table with various dishes and desserts, including sandwiches, salads, and cakes, during a social event or celebration.

American Sangha

The American region of the Kwan Um School of Zen includes nearly forty Zen centers in the United States, Mexico, Panama, and Argentina. The School's teachers travel frequently among these centers to lead retreats and guide practitioners. Additionally, practitioners from Cambridge frequently attend retreats at nearby sister temples across New England.

Sister Temples Across the Northeast

The sangha comes together three times each year (in April, July and December) at the American head temple, Providence Zen Center, for sangha weekends. If you wish to join the CZC group to next sangha weekend, email director@cambridgezen.org for information.

An elderly man dressed in traditional Buddhist robes sitting cross-legged on a wooden floor during a meditation or ceremony, surrounded by people in similar attire.
Group of nine people dressed in traditional robes standing in front of a golden Buddha statue with colorful artwork behind it, holding certificates.

During Sangha Weekends, practitioners take precepts and attend a variety of ceremonies celebrating the Buddha’s life and teaching.

A traditional Japanese house with a blue tile roof surrounded by lush greenery and trees, with purple flowers in the foreground.
A group of people walking single-file through a leaf-covered forest trail during daylight, dressed in warm clothing.

Sangha weekend is a chance to enjoy hiking and other activities in the beautiful 50-acre Providence Zen Center.

People dressed in traditional robes walking in a line along a decorated balcony of a traditional Asian temple, with a curved roof and intricate colorful artwork, surrounded by green trees.

Global Sangha

CZC is connected to a wide global network of Zen Centers across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, including in Korea, Hong Kong, Spain, Warsaw, and others.

Explore Kwan Um Zen Centers