• Buddha statue in a forest

    Welcome to ZCNS

    With intention and awareness, Zen Center North Shore offers refuge to all. The Zen Center is built on the foundation of the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha's teachings.

    Our primary practice is zazen - just sitting. We sit zazen to express our true nature, bright and awake. We offer a sanctuary to those who wish to find connection, purpose, and equanimity in the midst of our complex human lives.

  • Community Zen at the Beverly Public Library

    We are offering a dedicated time for connection with others to discover the basics of meditation practice and make contact with our own stability and sanity.

  • Winter Class Series

    During our seasonal class series, we engage in deep study of different Zen teachings together.

    This winter, we are studying EcoDharma: Buddhist Teachings for the Ecological Crisis. This landmark work is simultaneously a manifesto, a blueprint, a call to action, and a deep comfort for troubling times.

Join us online
or in-person

We are currently offering our full schedule through Zen Zoom, which you can easily access using Chrome or Safari.

A few in-person programs are happening at the Mahasati Center at 72 Grapevine Rd in Wenham, and the Beverly Public Library.

Join us for these daily meditation sessions as a way to ground yourself in sanity, solidarity, and stability in turbulent times. Your microphone will be pre-muted during zazen.

Zen Center North Shore is looking for a forever home.

We are an 11-year-old Buddhist center and non-profit looking to be long-term stewards of a dedicated property in the North Shore region, preferably in the Beverly area.

We are looking for property owners interested in a tax-deduction or a partnership for land stewardship, but would also consider a more traditional rental or purchase for the right fit.

Upcoming Events

In addition to ongoing daily meditation practice, the Zen Center North Shore offers in-depth classes, monthly community hikes and walks, retreats, ceremonies, and more.

Zen Center North Shore could not exist without you.

Your donation makes possible the continued presence of the Dharma in the world.

  • Statue of Buddha sitting cross legged meditating on grass

    Getting Started

    We welcome beginner practitioners and offer a number of ways to introduce you to Zen practice.

  • Several meditation cushions and chairs grouped together in a room

    Ongoing Programs

    Our regular programming schedule offers opportunities to deepen your practice and connect with other practitioners.

  • Seven stones stacked on the foreground of a lake scene

    Special Events

    We regularly offer workshops, sesshin meditation retreats, and other special events.

  • A dense forest in front of a wall of steep white mountains

    Our Impact

    See how we are putting the Dharma into practice by serving our community and advancing social justice.

  • Several stones stacked

    Become a Member

    If you would like to support us, consider becoming a member.

  • Statue of Buddha resting his face on his knee

    Donate

    In addition to membership, there are numerous ways to support our work — see here for more.