Hello!

Kwan Um Zen Online is a vibrant, diverse global community of worldwide Zen practitioners in the Kwan Um Zen tradition online. We support anyone who wishes to practice Zen meditation to understand their true selves and to alleviate suffering and help this world.

Whether you're new to meditation, unable to visit a local Zen center or are looking to complement your in-person practice with online Zen meditation opportunities, we are here for you. We offer one-on-one access to experienced Zen teachers and the warmth and support of a strong, global meditation community. By sharing Zen teachings and offering accessible, flexible Zen practice opportunities, we aim to make a lasting difference in your meditation experience and quality of life.

Kwan Um Zen Online is supported by the strong Zen practice of our members and guests, the generous contributions of time by volunteers, and by membership and program fees from participants. As we continue to grow we're eager to expand to meet the changing needs of our community. May we ask for your help in this work?

We have kept our program prices low to stay affordable. As a result, this income doesn’t cover our ongoing operational expenses. And to improve and broaden our offerings with the rising demand for virtual Zen practice, we need additional resources.

Here’s how your contribution toward our $45,000 fundraising goal will strengthen this worldwide community:  

• New Kwan Um Zen Online Website: $18,000

  • Our website is our front door, and we need to make it more welcoming and user-friendly. Your support will help us create a better experience for everyone.

• Operating Costs: $15,000

• Ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations of Kwan Um Zen Online is essential for our community to thrive.

• Outreach: $7,000

  • We aim to extend our reach and bring the benefits of Zen practice to even more people around the globe. 

• Scholarship Fund: $5,000

  • We believe everyone should have access to Zen teachings, regardless of financial means. 

Your donation of any amount will help us serve you better and allow us to respond thoughtfully to the needs of our growing online Zen community which in turn helps all beings. We thank you in advance for your generosity. 

With gratitude,

Kwan Um Zen Online Board of Directors

Zen Master Soeng Hyang (Barbara Rhodes), Guiding Teacher

Zen Master Bon Hae (Judy Roitman), KUSZA Representative

Kathy Park JDPSN, KUZO Abbot

Myong An Sunim JDPS, Asia Representative

Knud Rosenmayr JDPSN, KUSZE Representative

Viviane Casimir, KUZO Member Representative

What Our Members Are Saying:

I live inconveniently far from a Zen center and have struggled to maintain a consistent practice schedule. Kwan Um Zen Online has helped me keep my practice vows, connected me with old and new dharma friends, and provided opportunities to participate in meaningful events, including online retreats and interviews. Together, practice really works. Just join!!

Mary Ann, China

The Kwan Um Zen Online Sangha has offered so much of value over the five years since I first joined. The real sense of community and the opportunity to engage regularly with groups of people with the same intention and direction has been a big encouragement to bring consistency to my practice. Monthly weekend retreats, 21-Day Zen Challenges and the more intensive and longer annual 3-month Heart Kyol Che have all given a structure to helping me grow as a practitioner, and the skillful guidance of such a lovely group of teachers, both through dharma talks and one-to-one interviews, has undoubtedly taken me much further down the Zen path than I could have gone alone. On a more personal note, I have made some real friends in the online sangha, and in this very conflictive world, it is often simply good to have a safe space to be with other people in a non-conflictive setting.

Mark, Portugal

I am grateful for this online sangha option. I began my Zen practice in NYC at the Chogye Center, and then moved to Canada. I found myself without support. I was particularly drawn to the teaching and practice style of the Kwan Um School and did not want to change style. Therefore, I was glad when the online option became available. I have access to Zen masters for kong-an interviews and live streaming meditation practices from various Zen centers that fit my schedule. Also, the online sangha provides valuable support such as workshops on diverse topics (360 Zen Study) and online retreats. In today’s global reality, this online option is essential in helping everyone with no access to physical Zen centers progress with wisdom and compassion.

Viviane, Canada

For several years I have been looking for, rather than support for practice, a place where I could have teaching related to Zen. Unfortunately, in my area, whether because of schedules, territory or demands, there are not many Zen centers. Few or maybe in other states within the country. My practice therefore even if daily could not be followed by a teacher in a direct way. I must say that Kwan Um Zen Online allowed me not only to connect with teachers but also with a teaching that I find incredible that is supported by numerous practitioners from all over the world with their experiences and help.

Cesare, Switzerland