Deepening Zen Study

Our Zen Study Group offers a shared space to read and reflect on classic and contemporary Zen texts and books, carefully selected by our teaching group. Through guided discussion and quiet inquiry, we explore these teachings together, deepening our understanding of practice and how it expresses itself in daily life. No prior experience is required—just a willingness to read, listen, and engage with the spirit of Zen study.

Upcoming Study Group information

Schedule

2026 sessions will start January 21, 2026

Days: 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays of the month
Time: 6:50 - 8:00 PM

* Breaks of one or more weeks may occur between topics. Please refer to the events calendar on the Practice page for the current schedule.

Events Calendar

What to expect

The Zen Study Group will begin study of the Heart Sutra. This sutra expounds the essence of Buddhist wisdom. It is chanted worldwide, every Sunday morning at the Des Moines Zen Center, and also during many special services. The study will include looking at various translations of the sutra, reading the chapter on the Heart Sutra from Shohaku Okumura's book "Living by Vow," and discussing participants' own understanding of or questions on the sutra. It is estimated this study topic will run through February. It is recommended that if you choose to join the study of this topic, you attend all the sessions. The sessions will build on each other.

The Des Moines Zen Center is supported entirely by the generosity of its community. Our teachings, practice opportunities, and programs are offered freely and sustained through voluntary donations.
‍
If you wish to support the ongoing work and practice of the Zen Center, you are invited to make a free-will offering. Donations may be given as a one-time gift or set up as a recurring offering. Please visit our Donation page or use the Donate button here to give securely by PayPal or debit/credit card.

Jump to

Donation Options

Or Donate by PayPal below!