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Organizational Structure

Our program of shared stewardship is reflected in our evolving center mandala.

The Center mandala, or Circle of Life, represents our primary spheres of activity. These spheres are based on the Five Buddha Wisdoms as they appear in the chant “Gate of Sweet Nectar.” ZCLA uses this mandala as the organizing principle for governance. The “Gate” is celebrated every Sunday morning. A DVD of the ritual, along with interviews, is available from the online bookstore.

The Mandala keeps the big picture ever before us and also instructs us in the multi-directional quality of everyday life. Each sphere is a fractal of the entire mandala; every part contains the whole. The practice of Shared Stewardship is to realize and manifest in our daily functioning this underlying interfusion of all aspects of the mandala. All the activities required to maintain and run the Center are carried out as Zen training.

Circles of members have formed to carry out the activities in these spheres. Circles may arise from any part of the mandala; some become established to steward key functions, others arise and dissolve as various needs are addressed and met. All Circles are led by a steward, develop their own purpose and core values in accord with the Center’s overall mission, and are linked to the mandala.

BUDDHA SPHERE

  • Roshi Egyoku Nakao as Spiritual Leader

STUDY SPHERE

  • The Teachers Circle (teachers-in-training and Dharma successors)
  • Library
  • Priest Circle (all priests-in-training at Great Dragon Mountain)
  • Programs:
    • Ango/Practice Periods
    • Sesshin
    • Classes
    • Introductory Programs
  • Temple functions:
    • Zendo & Buddha Hall
    • Tenzo (Cook) Coordinators
    • Altar Coordinators
  • Guest Speakers
  • Water Wheel (quarterly newsletter)

RESOURCES SPHERE

  • Board of Directors and its Circles:
    • Building & Grounds Circle
    • Endowment Circle
    • Finance Circle
    • Fundraising Circle
    • Planned Giving Circle
  • Business Manager and Bookkeeper
  • Bookstore Manager
  • The Day Group (oversees day-to-day functioning)
  • The Lineage (also includes relationships to the White Plum Asanga, Soto Sect and other religious groups)

RELATIONSHIPS SPHERE

  • Affiliate Groups
  • Buddha Hand Circle (coming and going of residents)
  • Parking
  • Resident Circle (all residents)
  • Shared Stewardship (ongoing exploration of governance and Sangha issues)
  • Website

SERVICE SPHERE

  • Brown-Green Circle (environmental concerns)
  • Food Pantry Delivery
  • Koreatown Clean-up
  • Prayer Chains
  • SALA (Social Action Loving Action) Project