One River Zen

One River Zen Zen Meditation, Classes, & Retreats in Ottawa, IL Where ancient tradition meets modern life.

At One River Zen, we blend the timeless teachings of Zen Buddhism with contemporary practices to help you awaken to your true self and realize your full potential. Our community is rooted in tradition yet fully open to the present, empowering all to embody wisdom, compassion, and mindfulness in today’s world through daily practice. One River Zen is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple in Ottawa, Illinois, founded and guided by Sensei Michael Brunner & Hoshi Vanessa Roddam

06/21/2026
SATURDAY MORNING ZENJoin us this Saturday morning at One River Zen!8:00A - Service9:00A - Meditation9:45A - Dharma TalkE...
06/18/2026

SATURDAY MORNING ZEN

Join us this Saturday morning at One River Zen!
8:00A - Service
9:00A - Meditation
9:45A - Dharma Talk

Everyone is welcome, and no prior experience is necessary. We'll be there to answer all your questions and guide you every step of the way. Come and discover the peace and clarity that meditation can bring—see you at 121 E Prospect Avenue in Ottawa!

Learn more at oneriverzen.org

LEND YOUR FULL ATTENTION TO WHAT’S AT HANDWe must be incredibly careful in our practice not to cling to the mere idea of...
06/17/2026

LEND YOUR FULL ATTENTION TO WHAT’S AT HAND

We must be incredibly careful in our practice not to cling to the mere idea of getting things done.

When we sit on our cushions in the morning, a cosmic to-do list often appears before us. We see all the tasks of the day ahead and rush through them simply to get them out of the way. But when we operate this way—rushing just to check a box—we never lend our full attention to what is actually at hand. As a result, we find ourselves circling back to clean up the messes we created along the way, completely missing the chance to enjoy the fruits of our labor blossoming into compassion.

Today, when you engage in an activity, truly stop and inhabit that activity. Even in moments of rest, fully commit to doing nothing at all. Finish each task thoroughly and give it the respect it deserves. When we pay attention, we no longer have to circle back to fix what was broken by our own distraction.

Have a wonderful morning, and I look forward to seeing you all first thing tomorrow for meditation. Until then, take good care!

The first batch of ORZ merchandise is coming soon! 🎉 Handcrafted scented candles and more!
05/28/2026

The first batch of ORZ merchandise is coming soon! 🎉 Handcrafted scented candles and more!

STAY WHERE YOU AREIt’s a frightening trend sometimes in the news—you hear about someone trying to take a selfie, and the...
04/24/2026

STAY WHERE YOU ARE

It’s a frightening trend sometimes in the news—you hear about someone trying to take a selfie, and they wind up walking over the edge of a cliff or stepping into traffic and getting themselves hurt. In a constant effort to reframe themselves in more and more beautiful circumstances, they forget where they are. And in forgetting where they are, they put themselves in danger.

We might think our practice would exclude us from that, but it’s important from time to time to take a good look at where we’re actually standing. Take a look at the efforts we make to reform things, to beautify our circumstances in our mind’s eye.
But when we return to where we actually are, when we step into the circumstances of our life as they present themselves, we don’t need to be concerned about the kind of damage that comes from not paying attention.

So today, when you find yourself drifting off in that way—trying to place yourself somewhere more beautiful or serene than where you are—instead, return to the earth under your feet. Engage your hands and address the suffering that’s right in front of you.
That’s the only way this transformational liberation will ever manifest—not just for you, but for everyone you encounter.

Have a wonderful morning!

We often think of Zen practice in a stylized way. But "service" is ultimately the same in the Buddha Hall and on the job...
04/24/2026

We often think of Zen practice in a stylized way. But "service" is ultimately the same in the Buddha Hall and on the job site. All of it is included, and all of it is a source of joy and awakening if we appreciate it fully. This isn't a dress rehearsal–it is your life! Practice all of it!

As many of you know, One River Zen bought the old Times building here in Downtown Ottawa. David's Clubhouse is off to a ...
04/23/2026

As many of you know, One River Zen bought the old Times building here in Downtown Ottawa. David's Clubhouse is off to a great start, and now our attention has turned to the old press room, which will become the main meditation hall.

Was great to see the community come together to start the transformation of the space!

Address

121 E Prospect Avenue
Ottawa, IL
61350

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