Benefit from consistent meditation practice to last a lifetime.
October 27 – November 17, 2024
The 21-day Zen Challenge helps to build a Zen meditation practice that supports mental clarity, and pacifies and regulates emotions, with teaching and tools to gain insight into the nature of our true self. We can have more confidence, stability and grounding in our daily life in spite of shifting external circumstances.
Join the Challenge
Every moment we are in relationship. Not just with humans, but with the earth, sun, moon, stars, with all beings and this whole universe. Zen helps us to be fully awake each moment so that we can recognize what situation are we in, engage in the correct relationships therein, and start functioning effectively for all beings. Join the 21-Day Zen Challenge to strengthen your meditation experience and access wisdom and skillful means for every moment of life in these ever challenging times.
21-Day Zen Challenge
Resources:
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Pre-program commitment consultation
- Group practice and coffee hour with program teachers
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Multiple group practice livestreams
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Kong-an interviews
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1:1 consultations with teachers
- Daily teaching videos
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Daily practice tracking and charts
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Group accountability
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An easy-to-use, private online forum to connect with teachers and other practitioners
Yes! I want to join the Challenge!
Teachers:
Zen Master Bon Hae
Judy Roitman began practicing Zen with Zen Master Seung Sahn in 1976. One of the founders of the Kansas Zen Center in 1978, she received inka (full authorization to teach) from Zen Master Seung Sahn in 1998 and transmission from Zen Master Dae Kwang in April 2013. She is currently the guiding teacher of the Kansas Zen Center.
Nancy Hedgpeth JDPSN
Nancy Brown Hedgpeth JDPSN has practiced with the KUSZ since 1979 and received inka in 1994. She has lived at and worked for a number of zen centers and has sat long retreats in the US and South Korea. She is Co-Guiding Teacher for the Providence Zen Center. She is a retired nurse. These days she lives in Waterville, Maine from which she does most of her group practice online.
Paul Park JDPSN
Paul Park, JDPSN, received inka at Providence Zen Center from Zen Master Seung Sahn in April 1998. He is a restauranteur and teaches out of the Dharma Zen Center in Los Angeles. Paul Park, JDPSN, practiced with Zen Master Seung Sahn for over 18 years. Paul has a straightforward approach to life and is a dedicated father and son. Park, JDPSN, leads retreats at Dharma Zen Center as well as other centers in the affiliated Southwest Zen Centers. He is an avid mountain biker and is active with his own restaurant which he runs in Diamond Bar.
Koen Vermeulen JDPSN
Koen Vermeulen JDPSN began practicing in the Kwan Um School of Zen in 1992. On March 9, 2013, Koen Vermeulen received Inka from Zen Master Wu Bong in Wu Bong Sah Temple in Poland. He currently works as Secretary General of the Belgian Buddhist Union, where the main projects are related to the recognition of Buddhism in Belgium and to training programs in Buddhist philosophy and ethics, Buddhist counseling in the health sector, and prison work. He lives with his wife and two sons below the Brussels Zen Center.
Igor Piniński JDPSN
Igor Piniński JDPSN graduated in acting from a prestigious Łódź film school. Right now he is working in his own film studio in Łódź, focusing on educational films. He lives with his wife in the countryside near Łódź. He started practicing in Łódź Zen Center in 1995 and has participated in over 120 YMJJs in Łódź, and also every year in the Kyol Che at Wu Bong Sah. On March 9, 2013, Igor Piniński received Inka from Zen Master Bon Shim in Wu Bong Sah Temple in Poland.
Kathy Park JDPSN
Kathy Park JDPSN began practicing Zen in 1999 in Paris and has trained in a number of capacities at Kwan Um Zen centers including Cambridge Zen Center and Providence Zen Center in the U.S., Su Bong Zen Monastery in Hong Kong and at Musangsa in Korea, where she participated in several 90-day kyol che retreats. She received inka (permission to teach) from Zen master Dae Bong at Musangsa in Korea in 2016, and is the co-guiding teacher for Zenseoul and Daejeon Zen groups in Korea. She is also a co-guiding teacher and coordinator of Kwan Um Zen Online, bringing online Zen teaching and support to practitioners worldwide.
FAQs
Why do this challenge?
Can I just practice on my own?
What am I actually committing to?
Testimonials
"What an experience! 21DZC helped me to examine and expand my practice in so many ways. It helped me set practical additional practice challenges that gave me daily focal points to reflect on my formal practice. Having access to the platform that allowed me to try out different options to join live stream meditation groups, dharma talks and kong-an interviews was perfect for me as I don't have any Zen center near me. I was surprised how online sangha like this can create a sense of community and enjoyed being a part of such kind and loving sangha. This was very inspirational. The daily teachings that were bite sized yet filled with profound wisdom, the kong-an interviews... which I was afraid of ... they were all such a nourishing experience that is hard to describe with words. I'm very grateful for the together action!"—Yumi H
"It was a wonderful way to re-evaluate current practice and make changes to create best effort habits. Wonderful support from teachers and fellow online students. The daily teachings were just what I needed when I needed them!"—Liz
"It helped me to truly believe in myself. Having the group at my back like the wind carried me to the finish line. I can’t wait for the next one!"—Mike
"It was an amazingly rich and uplifting experience. It brought home the benefit of sangha that all the teachers have been talking about for so many years but I didn't truly get until now. Also the videos, dharma talks and teacher interviews were phenomenal, each had a message of hope, clarity and encouragement; each was 'the carrot' that helped me push through familiar, habitual obstacles and struggles I have encountered in my practice for years. I feel most grateful."—Ruth
"As a newcomer to your community, I want to thank you all for your kindness and support. I often felt that all of us were doing this for the first time—as if we were all beginners—and I think that speaks to your generosity and modesty. These 21 days have coincided with an emotional moment in my life, which feels like something inside me is being unlocked, and a part of my true self revealed. I hope that my new commitment to practice, with you, and the conversations it has triggered, have all helped to make this ‘unlocking’ happen. I’m already looking forward to day 22: it’s day one. Thanks and love to you all."—Jonathan H.
"What a refreshing experience the 21-Day Zen Challenge was! By bringing just a little more structure and variety to my practice, I feel entirely rejuvenated and committed to a much more dedicated practice."— Joe
The next 21-Day Zen Challenge starts
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What are you waiting for?
Join the challenge now to clarify your intention, build your dharma energy, and transform your practice!
