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Rooted in tradition, open to all
Everyday challenges can be stressful and overwhelming, leading us to search for more balance and inner stability. Many of us seek to lead peaceful lives grounded in the present moment, but find it difficult on our own.
At the Zen Center of Syracuse we can discover the life-transforming benefits of a consistent meditation practice, guided by a renowned teacher and a supportive community. Established in 1972 and rooted in the authentic tradition of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, the Zen Center offers a spiritual sanctuary on six acres of serene woodlands and gardens along Onondaga Creek. Through regular meditation, teachings, retreats, and study, we cultivate our intuitive wisdom, so that we can respond to circumstances with greater insight and compassion.
HoenJi – our Temple name
The late Eido Tai Shimano Roshi, who was founding abbot of the Zen Studies Society, named an early gathering place of ours “Hoen Zendo,” Dharma Salt Zendo, in recognition of the area’s nineteenth-century salt industry that gave Syracuse the nickname “Salt City.” At Shinge Roshi’s Dharma Transmission Ceremony in 1998, Eido Roshi changed the character En in Hoen from salt to connection, symbolizing the unbreakable in nen — affinity link — existing between him and Shinge Roshi, between his lineage and the Syracuse sangha. He also added “ji” to the name, in recognition of a temple in the authentic tradition of Zen Buddhism.
Shinge Roshi, Abbot
Our teacher, Shinge Roshi, has been studying and practicing Zen Buddhism for more than 60 years, and has led the Zen Center of Syracuse since 1976, when she moved to Syracuse from the Zen Studies Society’s mountain monastery and New York City temple.
She received official Rinzai Zen Dharma Transmission in 1998. In October 2008, after a 10-year process of advanced training culminating in a ceremony called shitsugo, she received the title of Roshi (Zen Master) and the name Shinge (“Heart/Mind Flowering”) from Eido Roshi. It was the first time that this ceremony was held on American soil.
Shinge Sherry Chayat, Abbot. Daily zazen, sesshin, teisho, dokusan, Dharma study, residency, visiting scholars & artists.
