Welcome to One River Zen
Where ancient tradition meets modern life. At One River Zen, we blend the timeless teachings of Sōtō Zen Buddhism with contemporary practices to help you awaken to your true self and realize your full potential. Our community is rooted in tradition yet fully open to the present, empowering all to embody wisdom, compassion, and mindfulness in today’s world through daily practice.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Deep Roots Weekend Meditation Retreat

Embrace the flourishing energy of spring with this Weekend Retreat, held May 23-25 in Ottawa, IL. This retreat offers a unique opportunity to pause, breathe, and harmonize with the natural rhythms of the season!

Offered online & in-person

Entering the Way Fundamentals of Zen Meditation Class

Join us for this four-week series starting May 14th and ground yourself in the practices of meditation and mindfulness so you can begin to open to your life and recognize your true potential.

Offered online & in-person

Zen Roots:
Origins of Buddhist Practice

Join us for a four-week exploration of the ancient roots and rich history of Buddhism starting May 22nd. We’ll study Buddhism from its Brahmin origins in India, through China, Japan, and to its present-day form in the United States.

Offered online & in-person

PRACTICE OFFERINGS

 

Taking the Path of Zen

What does it mean to be a Zen Buddhist? Study the traditional path for seekers of the Way for more than 1,500 years.

Offered online & in-person

Meditation

Meditation is the core practice of Zen. Join us online and in-person to encounter this transformational practice in a supportive community.

 
 

Classes

Begin your meditation & mindfulness journey today and transform your life with classes in all facets of the Buddhist spiritual path

Offered online & in-person

Retreats

Retreats are a time to take a step back from the habits of our daily life and connect with our authentic self.

Offered online, in-person, & residential

 
A pair of headphones surrounding a smartphone displaying "Awakening Streams: The One River Zen Podcast". Text on the left reads "stay attuned." On the right, the One River Zen logo and the word "Podcast" with a microphone icon. Background is a light wood surface.

“If you are searching for fellowship with peaceful, mindful, and like-minded people look no further.”
-Rhonda N.

Visit Us

121 E Prospect Ave
Ottawa, IL 61350

One River Zen Meditation Center is located just over an hour from Chicago where the Illinois and Fox Rivers converge. We’re nestled in the Illinois River Valley near scenic Starved Rock State Park.

 
 

Instagram @oneriverzen

Everyone is arriving and preparing the grounds for the ordination of Genpo Seth Myers as a Buddhist Priest tomorrow! Come and join us at 12:30, Saturday April 26th for this beautiful commitment to the Dharma... #sotozen #oneriverzen #eso #zenlife #pi
Everyone is arriving and preparing the grounds for the ordination of Genpo Seth Myers as a Buddhist Priest tomorrow! Come and join us at 12:30, Saturday April 26th for this beautiful commitment to the Dharma... #sotozen #oneriverzen #eso #zenlife #pickusottawail #zen #meditation #mindfulness
📿 Sesshin in Action: Practice Beyond the Cushion Sesshin is more than just sitting—it’s living the practice in every moment. This weekend, our Sangha came together not only in meditation but in joyful effort, tending to the temple ground
📿 Sesshin in Action: Practice Beyond the Cushion Sesshin is more than just sitting—it’s living the practice in every moment. This weekend, our Sangha came together not only in meditation but in joyful effort, tending to the temple grounds and hanging new prayer flags. Every sweep of the broom, every knot tied, every moment of shared work is an expression of practice, gratitude, and community. Sangha is not just about personal awakening—it’s about showing up for each other and for the spaces that support our practice. Deep bows to everyone who lent a hand! 🙏✨ #OneRiverZen #Sesshin #ZenPractice #SanghaInAction #PrayerFlags #zenlife #pickusottawail #sotozen
📸✨ Celebrating Kōshin’s Jukai! ✨📸 A moment of pure joy as we welcome Kōshin Nicole Petty into the Bodhisattva path! 🌿☸️ Surrounded by sangha, love, and laughter, Kōshin received her homyō—Constant Heart—a name that reflects the
📸✨ Celebrating Kōshin’s Jukai! ✨📸 A moment of pure joy as we welcome Kōshin Nicole Petty into the Bodhisattva path! 🌿☸️ Surrounded by sangha, love, and laughter, Kōshin received her homyō—Constant Heart—a name that reflects the deep compassion and unwavering joy she brings to every moment. As an EMT, a devoted mother, and a lifelong seeker of the Dharma, Kōshin embodies the practice in all that she does. We are honored to walk this path together. Join us in cheering for Kōshin as she takes this next step on the Way! 🎉💙 #OneRiverZen #Jukai #Kōshin #ConstantHeart #BodhisattvaPath #ZenPractice #SanghaCelebration
🌿 Welcoming the Newest Bodhisattva at One River Zen 🌿 Join us in welcoming Kōshin Nicole Petty, the newest bodhisattva at One River Zen! Kōshin (恒心), meaning Constant Heart, was given as her homyō in recognition of her unwavering joy and compassion
🌿 Welcoming the Newest Bodhisattva at One River Zen 🌿 Join us in welcoming Kōshin Nicole Petty, the newest bodhisattva at One River Zen! Kōshin (恒心), meaning Constant Heart, was given as her homyō in recognition of her unwavering joy and compassion, no matter the circumstances. A dedicated EMT with Streator Fire Department, Kōshin serves her community with courage and care. At home on the Northwest Side of Ottawa, she shares her life with her husband Matt, daughter Lyla, and sons Noah and Denali. Reflecting on her practice, Kōshin shares: "Since I started my practice, I've been able to handle any problem that comes my way. I'm able to take a step back, notice my attachments, and engage calmly to handle the problem with compassion." With a lifelong interest in Buddhism, she was grateful when One River Zen found its way to Ottawa, providing a space to deepen her path. Now, as she walks this way with us, we are honored to practice alongside her. Welcome, Kōshin! May your constant heart continue to shine. ☸️💙 #OneRiverZen #BodhisattvaPath #Kōshin #ConstantHeart #Community #ZenPractice #zenlife #sotozen #pickusottawail
Wonderful jukai ceremony for Anzan Eric Mehon today with family participation! #sotozen #pickusottawail #oneriverzen #zenlife #meditation #mindfulness #jukai
Wonderful jukai ceremony for Anzan Eric Mehon today with family participation! #sotozen #pickusottawail #oneriverzen #zenlife #meditation #mindfulness #jukai
Welcoming the Newest Bodhisattva: Anzan Eric Mehon With deep joy and heartfelt congratulations, we welcome Anzan Eric Mehon to the Sanga. Having taken Jukai, Anzan commits to living with sincerity, wisdom, and compassion for the benefit of all beings
Welcoming the Newest Bodhisattva: Anzan Eric Mehon With deep joy and heartfelt congratulations, we welcome Anzan Eric Mehon to the Sanga. Having taken Jukai, Anzan commits to living with sincerity, wisdom, and compassion for the benefit of all beings. "Anzan" (安山) means "Peaceful Mountain," a name that reflects steadiness, resilience, and the quiet strength of unwavering presence. Just as a mountain stands unmoved through storms and seasons, the Bodhisattva path calls us to remain present amidst life’s ever-changing conditions, offering refuge and stability to those in need. Let us celebrate and support him as he walks this ancient yet ever-new path. Gassho, and welcome, Anzan!
🌿 Daily Zen | Navigating Life’s Skies ✈️ Before a pilot takes off, they check the wind, the visibility—the conditions as they are. But how often do we take the same care in our own lives? Too often, we resist what’s in front of us,
🌿 Daily Zen | Navigating Life’s Skies ✈️ Before a pilot takes off, they check the wind, the visibility—the conditions as they are. But how often do we take the same care in our own lives? Too often, we resist what’s in front of us, wishing for clearer skies instead of learning to fly with the wind. Today's Daily Zen explores what it means to meet life skillfully, to work with circumstances instead of against them. Read more: oneriverzen.org/daily-zen #DailyZen #SeeClearly #NavigateWithWisdom #ZenPractice
Happy Birthday, Hoshi Vanessa! On this day, we celebrate you—your wisdom, your warmth, and the deep care you bring to every moment. As a Priest, Mother, Wife, and Tenzo, you embody the heart of practice, showing up with such sincerity, sacrifi
Happy Birthday, Hoshi Vanessa! On this day, we celebrate you—your wisdom, your warmth, and the deep care you bring to every moment. As a Priest, Mother, Wife, and Tenzo, you embody the heart of practice, showing up with such sincerity, sacrifice, and boundless generosity. May this year bring you the same nourishment and joy you offer so freely to all of us! With deep gratitude and bows, The One River Zen Sangha #zen #sotozen #zenlife #oneriverzen #pickusottawail #meditation #mindfulness
Happy Birthday, Roshi Shojun Diane Martin! 🎉🎂 Today, we celebrate our Honorary Founder, Roshi Shojun Diane Martin—an unwavering force of wisdom, compassion, and dedication to the Dharma. Roshi’s impact is immeasurable, from founding mu
Happy Birthday, Roshi Shojun Diane Martin! 🎉🎂 Today, we celebrate our Honorary Founder, Roshi Shojun Diane Martin—an unwavering force of wisdom, compassion, and dedication to the Dharma. Roshi’s impact is immeasurable, from founding multiple practice centers and a chaplaincy program to guiding Udumbara National Sangha and transmitting the Dharma to 12 heirs, including our Abbot, Sensei Michael. Larger than life, Roshi’s presence continues to shape and inspire the Zen path for so many. May this year bring her deep joy, good health, and boundless clarity. Happy Birthday, Roshi! 🎊🙏✨ #HappyBirthdayRoshi #OneRiverZen #ZenMastery #DharmaTransmission #Gratitude
ORZ is 3 years old today! 🎉 We are thankful for everyone that takes the brave step to come through the doors of One River Zen and practice with us. 🙏 But we especially extend deep bows to our Sangha members and Dharma teachers who walk arduous paths of transformation, repair, recovery, and love with us. It's been an incredible year, and we wouldn't have made it without you. ❤️ -Sensei Michael & Hoshi Vanessa
Everyone is arriving and preparing the grounds for the ordination of Genpo Seth Myers as a Buddhist Priest tomorrow! Come and join us at 12:30, Saturday April 26th for this beautiful commitment to the Dharma... #sotozen #oneriverzen #eso #zenlife #pi 📿 Sesshin in Action: Practice Beyond the Cushion Sesshin is more than just sitting—it’s living the practice in every moment. This weekend, our Sangha came together not only in meditation but in joyful effort, tending to the temple ground 📸✨ Celebrating Kōshin’s Jukai! ✨📸 A moment of pure joy as we welcome Kōshin Nicole Petty into the Bodhisattva path! 🌿☸️ Surrounded by sangha, love, and laughter, Kōshin received her homyō—Constant Heart—a name that reflects the 🌿 Welcoming the Newest Bodhisattva at One River Zen 🌿 Join us in welcoming Kōshin Nicole Petty, the newest bodhisattva at One River Zen! Kōshin (恒心), meaning Constant Heart, was given as her homyō in recognition of her unwavering joy and compassion Wonderful jukai ceremony for Anzan Eric Mehon today with family participation! #sotozen #pickusottawail #oneriverzen #zenlife #meditation #mindfulness #jukai Welcoming the Newest Bodhisattva: Anzan Eric Mehon With deep joy and heartfelt congratulations, we welcome Anzan Eric Mehon to the Sanga. Having taken Jukai, Anzan commits to living with sincerity, wisdom, and compassion for the benefit of all beings 🌿 Daily Zen | Navigating Life’s Skies ✈️ Before a pilot takes off, they check the wind, the visibility—the conditions as they are. But how often do we take the same care in our own lives? Too often, we resist what’s in front of us, Happy Birthday, Hoshi Vanessa! On this day, we celebrate you—your wisdom, your warmth, and the deep care you bring to every moment. As a Priest, Mother, Wife, and Tenzo, you embody the heart of practice, showing up with such sincerity, sacrifi Happy Birthday, Roshi Shojun Diane Martin! 🎉🎂 Today, we celebrate our Honorary Founder, Roshi Shojun Diane Martin—an unwavering force of wisdom, compassion, and dedication to the Dharma. Roshi’s impact is immeasurable, from founding mu
ORZ is 3 years old today! 🎉 We are thankful for everyone that takes the brave step to come through the doors of One River Zen and practice with us. 🙏 But we especially extend deep bows to our Sangha members and Dharma teachers who walk arduous path
Featured
On the passing of Daniel Brunner, Sensei’s Brother
Daily Zen
On the passing of Daniel Brunner, Sensei’s Brother
Daily Zen

Sensei reflects on the recent loss of his brother, Daniel Brunner, to suicide.

Daily Zen
Good Friday: The Dharma Gate of Forsakenness | Hoshi Jinsen Vanessa Roddam
Daily Zen
Good Friday: The Dharma Gate of Forsakenness | Hoshi Jinsen Vanessa Roddam
Daily Zen

“Forsakenness itself is part of the Way. It is a Dharma gate.
When we meet it fully—tears, trembling, and all—something profound opens.
Not escape, but transformation.”
— Hoshi Jinsen Vanessa Roddam

Daily Zen
A Personal Journey Through Meditation | Jōza Genpō Seth Myers
Daily Zen
A Personal Journey Through Meditation | Jōza Genpō Seth Myers
Daily Zen

In this powerful and honest reflection, Genpō shares how meditation became more than a practice—it became a path through trauma, anxiety, and the quiet weight of daily life. From his early struggles with identity to his years as a first responder, this talk traces a journey back to presence, wonder, and clarity.

“Sometimes healing doesn’t come from figuring things out—
It comes from finally seeing that they were just stories all along.”

Daily Zen
Right Here–Now What? Hekiganroku Case 23
Daily Zen
Right Here–Now What? Hekiganroku Case 23
Daily Zen

What happens when we stop chasing realization and simply stand where we are? In this talk, Sensei Michael takes us deep into the mountains with Hofuku and Chōkei, where a single gesture reveals everything—and nothing.

This is not a story about arriving. It’s a call to intention. A reminder that true practice isn’t hidden in mystery—it’s alive in every step, if only we show up!

Daily Zen