The Madison Zen Center is a community of people practicing Zen together in the tradition of Roshi Philip Kapleau.
We offer regular sittings, retreats (sesshin), and community. Whether you’re brand new to Zen or have been practicing for years, you’re welcome here.
Get Involved with the Madison Zen Center
Start Practice
Come to an introduction to Zen Practice session the first Saturday of the month.
Weekly Sittings
Join us for zazen (seated meditation) throughout the week.
Meditation Retreats
Our all-day sittings and 2-day sesshins offer a chance to go deeper into practice.
Rooted in Tradition
Our resident teacher, Sensei Rick Smith, trained in the Kapleau lineage—a blending of Soto and Rinzai Zen. Our practice combines breath awareness, silent sitting (shikantaza), and koan introspection, depending on each student’s path.
