Athens Zen Group

The Athens Zen Group is a sangha (community of practitioners) affiliated with the Atlanta Soto Zen Center. Its purpose is to provide a supportive environment for cultivating the practice of zazen as well as to offer group and individual dharma teaching. This environment includes a teacher, a meeting space, instruction in zazen, and a community of committed practitioners.

The Head Teacher is Hakushi Tom Edwards. He was ordained by Zenkai Taiun Michael Elliston Sensei, Abbot and founder of the Atlanta Soto Zen Center.

The Athens Zen Group was founded in 1999 by John Kececioglu. Initially meeting on the University of Georgia campus, the Athens Zen Group curently meets at Rubber Soul Yoga Revolution, most generously and graciously providing with us with a special space that enhances and sustains our practice.

The Athens Zen Group welcomes anyone interested in the practice of Soto Zen, whether they are new to Zen or not, to join us. What is most important is that we sit in silence together, offering encouragement and support for each other´s practice.

The Athens Zen Group is an affiliate of the Atlanta Soto Zen Center (ASZC), founded in the early 70´s by Zenkai Taiun Michael Elliston Sensei, Abbot and Head Teacher of ASZC and dharma heir of Rev. Dr. Soyu Matsuoka-Roshi. Affiliation affords our group the opportunity to welcome Elliston Sensei and senior teachers from ASZC for visits designed to further our practice through dharma talks, dokusan (personal interviews) and instruction. Additionally, our membership is encouraged to attend ASZC sevices and sesshins (intensive retreats).

Sangha members may formalize and celebrate their Zen practice at any time by requesting an Initiation Ceremony (tokudo). This simple ceremony marks one’s commitment as a lay practitioner of Soto Zen Buddhism.