Detroit Zen Center — Local services in Hamtramck

If you're looking for a sacred place to learn meditation or lay your head, this place is anything but sacred. I answered an ad for a resident caretaker and after living there for only a week and a half I learned very quickly that the Abbott uses humiliation, shame, bullying, lies, and deceit in an attempt to break people down and force them into submission. He is a master manipulator, he makes every attempt to twist your words, confuse you and make you the problem. He pits the housemates against one another and he punishes you if he feels like you are disobedient or disruptive in anyway. It is not an exaggeration when I say that this place is an abusive environment, it seems quite serene at first glance or even if you are visiting on occasion pleasant, but it is definitely not warm and inviting nor does it honor basic human tenets such as kindness, compassion, or dignity. I see many positive reviews on this thread, mainly in regards to the cafe which is no longer open, after taking the time to look further I did find a few other similar reviews sporadically posted on various sites by others that experienced the same atmosphere as myself. I'm sure the cafe was wonderful, but there is something very sinister going on inside this center and I would not recommend anyone attempt to learn from them or live amongst them. If you like to be bullied or abused this place is for you, if you truly want to practice in a sacred environment, I would recommend...

I have been going to the Zen Center about two days a week for several months now and have always had a positive experience here. I have appreciated the expert guidance and teachings from the Abbot, Hwalson Sunim, and Vice Abbot, Myungju, as well as from the Dharma teacher, students, and the rest of the community.

Practicing Zen in a formal environment such as this is about more than just sitting on a cushion and relaxing. Whether it's Zazen, Sundo, taking care of the center itself, or simply picking up litter, if you're open to it, it can be a way to train the mind and body to live in a more mindful, intentional way that facilitates a state of compassion and sympathetic joy, which, hopefully, can be brought into your everyday life.

This involves a certain amount of guidance and structure, which I remember being worried about when I first started coming. I thought perhaps if I made a mistake or couldn't sit in the proper position for long enough I might be reprimanded, or others might be annoyed by what they perceived as disruptions to their peaceful practice. In reality, however, I have received nothing but warm acceptance and helpful, positive feedback which I have tried to incorporate into my practice, both at the center itself and in life. I highly recommend this place for anyone who might be trying to approach life from a different angle in order to make the most of it for themselves and for those...

There is a big warm place in my heart for Detroit Zen Center. I'm not a practicing Buddhist, but I always find peaceful and kind acceptance there. For more than 10 years I have dipped in and out of special events (singing and dancing and blues artists) and Eischens yoga workshops. I dined at the cafe and frequented the store for staples. I've gotten a chance to see, in glimpses, Myungju grow into her work with grace and kindness. I don't know her well, but we practiced yoga together some over the years and you get to see a person's growth when you encounter them that way. I've had brief meditations and interactions with the Abbot who feels down to earth when I'm in his presence and not above his community. It always feels good to be there. I am writing this today because a dear friend of mine has taken a position as a resident caretaker there. She feels so fortunate and grateful to be there. The center and the people there couldn't be more welcoming to her, and supportive as she makes transitions in her life. And they have been welcoming to me when I visit her. Detroit Zen Center is a gem for our community. That's all I want to say. Peace...