Programs: Korinji Foundation Research, Education and Outreach
University Zen Societies
An education that nourishes the whole human being - through combined physical, intellectual and contemplative learning - develops young men and women of truly amazing sensitivity and depth. With this simple premise, Korinji has established groups to spread Zen methods of mind-body development to college and university campuses.
Korinji helps students to found and lead "Zen Societies" on their campuses as recognized student organizations. The Foundation's role is to facilitate this through the following:
- Instructional support, including visits by Zen teachers, special events (public lectures and student retreats) and training enabling students to lead Zen meditation sessions and instruct new members in basic meditation.
- Advisory support for student organizers as they undertake the work of obtaining student organization recognition, working with student governments and college administration, and insuring continuity of club leadership from year to year.
Research Collaboration
The Korinji Foundation supports academic research that sheds light on the origins and development of Zen as a spiritual and cultural movement as well as a psycho-physical practice. We also applaud a growing recognition in the medical and psychological communities of the effects of meditation, and support efforts further exploring the quantifiable effects of Zen practice, potential benefits, and their therapeutic applications. We welcome opportunities to collaborate with researchers, students, and medical/mental health professionals.
Recent activities and collaborations:
- 2008- present: The Foundation is participating in a study seeking to confirm and quantify specific effects of long-term meditation practice on factors of relevance to the treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
- 2009: 81st Annual Midwest Psychological Association annual meeting, Chicago, Illinois; roundtable discussion (Meido Roshi participating): "An Analysis of East vs. Western Perspectives on Alternative Medical Interventions and their Impact on Health Policy".
- 2009: Academic paper: "Attentional Measurement in Long-Term Meditators"; Melanie Knippen, Nicole Porter, Leonard Jason, DePaul University; Marcia Grabowecky, Northwestern University; Meido Moore Roshi.
- 2009: Academic paper: "The Migration and Evolution of Rinzai Zen in America"; Kanjana Michelle Rajaratnam, Knox University.
Zazen at the Northwestern University Zen Society
In the future we plan retreats and training seminars attracting students, and former students, from across the country in a community of ever-increasing size and depth. The potential for spreading Zen in this grassroots manner, and the personal benefits of being involved in such a network, can be enormous.
University Zen groups sponsored by the Foundation currently include:
The Northwestern University Zen Society, Evanston, Illinois
The Depaul University Zen Society, Chicago, Illinois
If you are currently (or soon-to-be) a college or university student with an interest in Zen, or if you are a supportive faculty member or administrator, please contact us. You could be instrumental in bringing the benefits of Zen practice to your campus as a Zen club organizer or sponsor.
Meditation Seminars and Introductory Classes
Meditation introductory classes and seminars are used by the Foundation to bring the benefits of Zen practice to a wide audience. Offered in a variety of venues, these events give participants the instruction and guidance necessary to begin their own daily practice.
Weekly Introduction to Zen classes are currently offered, free of charge, at the following locations in the Chicago area:
- Sokeizan Daiyuzenji Temple: Saturday mornings, 10-11:30am, at 3717 N. Ravenswood Ave. #113, Chicago, Illinois.
- The Northwestern University Zen Society: Thursday evenings, 7:30-9pm at Alice Millar Chapel (oratory room), 1817 Sheridan Rd., Evanston, Illinois.
- The DePaul University Zen Society: Tuesday evenings, 5:30-6:45pm at the Lincoln Park Campus Student Center, Interfaith Sacred Space (first floor).
- The Japanese Cultural Institute: Saturday afternoons, 1:00-2:15pm, 9225 Trinity Drive, Unit E, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
If you are interested in arranging a Zen meditation class or seminar for your group, center or office, please contact Korinji. All that is needed to conduct a class is a quiet space, with chairs or cushions to sit upon. Participants need have only loose, comfortable clothing. Within the space of one hour, they can gain concrete tools to begin changing their own lives for the better.
Zen teachers connected with Korinji have offered such seminars at:
- Universities and Colleges (Northwestern University, The University of Chicago, DePaul University, The University of Illinois, Rock Valley College)
- Corporations (Motorola, Anderson Consulting).
- Community centers, fitness centers and YMCAs
- Athletic and Sport Associations (martial art groups in the United States, Poland, Greece and Bulgaria)
- A variety of other venues in the United States and Europe.
Public Lectures
Korinji sponsors lectures to educate the public regarding Zen and opportunities for Zen training. In the Chicago area, open lectures are held weekly at the Northwestern University Zen Society; other lectures are conducted periodically throughout the year. Please see our Events Calendar page for information on upcoming events.
