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About Us


In the fall of 2010, a small group of students at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa hosted a visit by Ven. Jian Hu, a Buddhist monk ordained in the Chan (Chinese Zen) Buddhist sect and then Abbot of the Chung Tai Zen Center of Sunnyvale in California. After several days of lectures and Dharma discussions, the students were inspired to continue studying Buddhist sutras and learning Zen philosophy. In May 2011, the Zen Philosophy Club at University of Hawai'i - Mānoa was officially launched as a Registered Independent Organization, operating on campus and open to all members of the university as well as the general public.

The Zen Philosophy Club currently meets four times a week throughout the year, offering Level 1 (Beginner) classes on Mondays, Level 2 (Intermediate) classes on Wednesdays, Level 3 (Advanced) classes on Saturdays, and Sutra Study classes on Thursdays. As a result of hard work on the parts of the Dharma Masters and volunteers at the Chung Tai Zen Center of Sunnyvale, we are now able to have live, interactive discussions with the Zen Center during our classes, as well as listen to the profound Dharma teachings of Ven. JianYing, current abbot of the Zen Center.

In an age when differences in faith lead to divisions and conflict within society, the message of peace, unity, and compassion is desperately needed. Zen's unique focus on critical thinking, direct experience, and contemplative meditation has brought Buddhism the reputation of being more of a philosophy than a religion, and Buddhist practice is steadily growing in the United States and the West.

With this in mind, the Zen Philosophy Club seeks to provide a medium for individuals from all different backgrounds to come together and discuss how to apply the wisdom of Zen philosophy to improve their daily lives, regardless of previous levels of experience or religious background. Our membership is steadily growing, and we have participants from all geographical and cultural backgrounds. Come join us!