About PZC

Practice at our Zen Center is led by Elihu Genmyo Smith, the first Dharma Heir of Charlotte Joko Beck and co-founder of the Ordinary Mind Zen School. In addition to providing general direction for the Center, Genmyo provides individual guidance of student's practice (dokusan). He also provides guidance, instruction and periodic visits to The Sangamon Zen Group in Springfield, Il, the Evanston Zen Group in Evanston, IL and the Wetlands Zen Group in Homewood, IL which are affiliated practice groups of the Prairie Zen Center. While those outside the Champaign-Urbana area may not be able to join us for weekly sittings, they are invited to attend our sesshin. We currently offer three 5-day and three 3-day sesshin per year. Additionally, Genmyo provides personal instruction by phone during scheduled hours.