
Ryumonji is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of northeast Iowa. In 2000, forty acres of farmland were donated for the site, and a vibrant community of lay and ordained members from across the country has since transformed it into a traditional Soto Zen training monastery. The buildings were constructed according to standards passed down from the Zen tradition in China, and the land and structures alike reflect the spirit of "peaceful dwelling."
All are welcome to learn and practice. Public meditation sessions are held every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., with orientation available for newcomers before either sitting. Monthly weekend retreats (Sesshin) and extended summer and winter practice periods (Ango) are also offered — see the yearly calendar for dates.
Ryumonji does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or religion in any of its programs or activities.
As we are aware of the suffering caused by our sense of separation from all beings, we seek to awaken to the interdependent workings of universe nurtured in an environment of silent reflection and compassionate living. Ryumonji Zen Monastery (RZM) provides an environment and practice tradition designed to facilitate this awareness and its implications for living in peace and harmony with all beings and the earth itself.