Residency

Resident training offers Zen students the opportunity to deepen their practice by living with a resident teacher and a community of practitioners. Residents combine Zen training with family and careers, engage in shared stewardship, and explore the dynamic life of Sangha. The Zen Center of Los Angeles (ZCLA) has two apartment buildings for its Residential Training Program.

Applicants with either a little or a lot of experience as a Zen student may apply. We ask for a 1-year minimum commitment for the residency program.

Before the application process begins, prospective residents are asked to complete the Introduction to Zazen and A Practice Day classes. The Buddha Hand Circle (BHC) oversees the application and admission process. Interested parties can contact residency@zcla.org for information, requirements and current vacancies.

We currently do not have any immediately-available openings, but they occur from time to time. Email us at residency@zcla.org to find out more information on the requirements for living at ZCLA. You can also get on the waiting list for all future openings.