about the Center

Albert and Jean Low arrived in Montreal in 1979. From that moment on the Center underwent great changes from the original group that was situated in NDG, affiliated to the Rochester Zen Center. These changes began with finding a more suitable location and moving there in October of that same year. We should remember that underlying what is now a dynamic and viable Center lies an enormous amount of work, dedication, courage, often boldness, and sometimes sheer faith.

The Rochester Zen Center was directed by Roshi Philip Kapleau, author of the Three Pillars of Zen and other books. The Rochester Center in turn was modeled on Hoshinji Zen Monastery of Japan, which in its heyday was under the direction of Harada Roshi, and was considered to be one of the most dynamic monasteries in Japan. Harada Roshi and one of his chief disciples, Yasutani Roshi, were two of the teachers Kapleau worked with during his thirteen years in Japan. Harada Roshi was originally a Soto Zen Buddhist, but later worked with a Rinzai master and came to awakening under his direction. Yasutani also, before working with Harada Roshi, was a Soto teacher. They are both remarkable in that they started as Soto priests and came to awakening under Rinzai masters. This is said to be remarkable because Zen practice in Japan has polarized into two distinct groups or sects: Rinzai and Soto. For someone to span both sects and to see that each has its advantages and disadvantages requires considerable courage and openness of mind. This heritage has been passed down to the Montreal Zen Center where some aspects of both sects can be found.

For more than 25 years the Montreal Zen Center has provided an oasis of peace and quiet for the people of Montreal, Quebec, and the rest of Canada; indeed for people from all over the world.

We have members from all walks of life: professors, lawyers, psychiatrists, psychologists, businessmen, journalists, computer experts, nurses, students and many other occupations. People come here from France, Spain, Israel, South America and there are many members who live in the United States. We are open to all religions and it is not necessary to abandon your own religion to practice Zen Buddhism. Indeed, until he died recently, a Monsignor of the Church was a member for more than 17 years.

We are recognized as a non-profit organization and do our best to keep the membership costs to a minimum. We are in any case always ready to accommodate people who have financial difficulties. Our object is not to make money but to give people the opportunity to find themselves.

The peace of the Center and the magnificence of its garden has been the subject of innumerable comments made by the hundreds of people who over the years have come either for a short period or, as is the case with many, for the more than 25 years that we have been here. The Center is situated in a peaceful part of the city at the end of St. Hubert across the street from the river, yet readily accessible by Metro and bus.

>> map of site