Creating Space for Practice, Growth, and Community
For years, our community has grown and flourished, offering a refuge for practice and deepening our connection to the Dharma. However, our current zendo is reaching its limits—Sundays are crowded, retreats are full, and we lack the dedicated spaces needed for dokusan, kinhin, and other essential aspects of practice.
Now, we have the opportunity to build a new zendo—a space designed to support our community for generations to come.
The Vision for Growth
A Thoughtfully Designed Zendo – The zendo itself will seat 40 people comfortably and allow for indoor kinhin when needed. Raised sitting platforms will make it easier to get up from zazen and there will be plenty of space for chairs. There will be an indoor foyer for shoes, coats, cushions, and two bathrooms. A wrap around deck and wooden walkway will connect the zendo to the other buildings and also allow for longer outdoor kinhin routes.
Enhanced Retreat Experience and Community Gatherings – The current zendo will be transformed into a space for community gatherings, body practice, and dining during retreats. It will also provide a dokusan waiting line, a traditional part of our practice.
How We’ll Build It
Our approach balances community effort with professional expertise:
✅ We will build as much as possible ourselves, using the skills and dedication of our Sangha members.
✅ We will hire professionals for foundational work, electrical and plumbing installations, and drywall finishing.
Estimated Cost: $175,000
✅ Amount Raised So Far: Over $40,000
Ways to Support:
💛 Donate Today
Help us reach our goal by making a contribution. Any amount—large or small—brings us closer.
While we would prefer donations via check or cash to avoid transaction fees, we would also gladly receive donations via Paypal if that is more convenient for you.
🔨 Volunteer
Do you have construction, organizational, or planning skills? Join us in building our future together.
📣 Spread the Word
Share our vision with others who may be inspired to support a space for practice and awakening.
Join the Conversation
We would love to share more about this project with you. If you have any questions or would like to discuss how you can contribute, please reach out.
📞 Schedule a call or Zoom meeting with Teshin by emailing us at info@nczencenter.org
Together, we’re not just building a zendo—we’re building the future of our Sangha.