About MZC
In the mid-1970s a few people in the Milwaukee area began meeting to study
Buddhism and to do zazen (zen sitting). For several years, Katagiri-roshi
came here from the Minnesota Zen Meditation Center to give public lectures
and weekend retreats. Slowly an organized group of people with a common
interest grew. With the help of many people, the Milwaukee Zen Center
was incorporated in 1983 as a nonprofit organization. It now serves many
local communities and several Midwestern states.
In September
1985, Reverend Tozen Akiyama came here as resident priest. Then, in September
1986, the Zen Center purchased its present building, where all center
activities take place. There are now three additional priests affiliated
with the Zen Center, all of whom were ordained by Rev. Akiyama.
The Center is served by a five member board of directors and relies on public donations for its support. In addition to daily zazen and monthly all-day sittings, the Center offers a weekly study class and a monthly introductory course, and publishes a bimonthly newsletter that is available to those who request to be placed on the Center's mailing list.