The purpose of the newly formed Zen Learners Association is to create a place where all Zen learners, and especially those without other cross-sangha connections, can share collegiality. All Zen practitioners are welcome to join!
Started by a handful of practitioners including myself in Fall 2024, you’ll find the following statement on the homepage of the ZLA website:
While Zen teachers have associations within which they share collegiality and information, other Zen practitioners have not, till now, been able to benefit from similar opportunities. Independent practitioners may be searching for a healthy sangha. Members of sangha boards, who often start their terms with little knowledge about what they are supposed to do, may have no one to turn to with questions. Sangha members inspired or disturbed by events in their sanghas have had no way to share what they’ve learned with others. The Zen Learners Association’s mission is to provide opportunities for communications involving all Zen practitioners.
Through the website you can access a Resources page and information about the Google Group (similar to a listserv). Membership is open to individuals and only means that you have joined the Google Group. There are no dues, and one can withdraw at any time. Messages from the Google Group can be received in “digest” form (once a day) if you are concerned about a full inbox.
Please consider joining if you practice Zen. Please also consider spreading the word to anyone who you think may be potentially interested. While Zen teachers are not forbidden from joining, my hope is that the members will be mostly from among those who have, up until now, lacked a means to develop collegial relationships with each other.
Bows, Julie (Seido)
Julie A. Nelson 