Providence Zen Center — Cumberland, United States
Head temple of the Kwan Um School of Zen, in Cumberland, Rhode Island
In 1972 Zen Master Seung Sahn arrived in America from Korea with no money and no English. He found work repairing washing machines in Providence. Brown University buddhologist Professor Leo Pruden then invited him to give some talks, after which several students asked him to teach them full-time from his apartment. That apartment class became Providence Zen Center.
In 1979 the growing community moved to its present site on Pound Road in Cumberland, about 15 miles north of Providence and 35 miles south of Boston, with many students helping to build the new center. In 1985 Seung Sahn founded the Kwan Um School of Zen, which now counts 34 centers in the United States and 57 worldwide, all headquartered here. The school practices a form of Zen that he interpreted, blending Korean and American elements.
The daily rhythm is built from 25-minute sitting periods broken by 10-minute walking meditation. Sunday mornings bring orientation for beginners, two sittings, a walk and a Dharma talk. Wednesday evenings begin with a free public dinner, followed by chanting, sitting and, on the first and third Wednesdays, optional one-on-one kong-an interviews with a teacher. Orientation is free, with a suggested donation of $5 to $10. Chairs are available for those who cannot sit on the floor, and people of all faiths and none are welcome. Much of the schedule is also offered on Zoom and livestreamed.
The long retreats are Kyol Che, a silent practice traditionally 30 days in summer and 90 in winter. Its name means 'tight dharma' or 'coming together'. Providence Zen Center has hosted it at Diamond Hill Monastery for over forty years, and prior retreat experience in the school is required. Shorter retreats suit beginners, and the center also offers guest stays of one to thirty-one days, including a hermitage cabin, as well as a resident training program. When the monastery is not in use by the center, outside groups can rent it.
Traditions: Kwan Um Zen, Zen Buddhism, Seated Meditation, Walking Meditation, Kong-an Interviews, Chanting
Programs: Kyol Che Silent Retreat, Introduction to Zen Meditation Class, Sunday Morning Dharma Program, Wednesday Evening Dinner and Practice, Kong-an Interviews, Zen on Zoom, Temple Stays, Resident Training Program