​​​​Membership


Zen practice thrives on individual effort, and becoming a member helps deepen your practice, mindfulness, and community connection. Membership is open to all adults (18+), with no discrimination based on race, creed, gender, sexual orientation or background.

Member Benefits

  • Access to meditation sessions, one-to-one and other forms of instruction, Zen talks, and ceremonies.
  • Opportunities to train for zendo roles and support Center operations.
  • Priority and discounts for retreats, classes, and workshops at both the Louisville and Rochester Zen Centers.
  • Complimentary hardcopy subscription to Zen Bow, a quarterly journal of the Rochester Zen Center.
  • Voting rights and involvement in Center governance.​


​How to Become a Member

  1. Attend the Introduction to Zen Meditation workshop.
  2. Apply for membership by reading Becoming a Member, then completing the Membership Application and Pledge Form. Contributions are flexible based on your financial situation.
  3. Submit the forms and your initial contribution to the Group Leader or mail them to the Center with "Membership" in the address line (please do not use PayPal for the initial contribution).
  4. Meeting with the Group Leader: After reviewing your forms, the Group Leader will meet with you to discuss membership and answer any questions you might have. Membership may be approved at this meeting.


For future contributions, you can use PayPal (or a debit/credit card) for convenience. Please specify the purpose of the donation (e.g., "Membership January - March 2025").

The Louisville Zen Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, run entirely by volunteers. Membership donations directly support Zen practice and may be tax-deductible.