Where are you located?

Providence Zen Center is located in Cumberland, Rhode Island, 15 miles north of Providence, RI and 35 miles south of Boston.

After turning into the Zen Center driveway from Pound Road, keep right past the pagoda and main house; Turn right into the visitor parking lot at the end of the driveway before making your way back down the paved path to the main entrance.

I am new to meditation. Can I still join practice or sign up for a retreat?

Yes. Beginners are welcome to daily practice and most events! We strongly recommend you attend PZC’s  free orientation/meditation class before joining practice or signing up for a retreat. Orientation is offered twice a week on Wednesday evenings (in-person) and Sunday mornings (in-person and on Zoom). If you are unable to attend orientation, review this Introduction to Kwan Um Zen practice forms by Kathy Park, JDPSN.  

First- time retreat participants are required to attend retreat orientation the morning of retreat entry.

Prior retreat experience (in person or online) with a Kwan Um School of Zen sangha is required to join Kyol-Che Long Retreats, except by special permission by the abbot.

Do I need to sign up or register before coming in to PZC?

• Pre-registration is NOT required for daily practice, Wednesday dinner, the Sunday Dharma Program, and Saturday Open Garden. 
• RSVPs are appreciated, but not required for Wednesday or Sunday orientation and special events. 
• Retreat registration is available online prior to retreats and on-site on the morning of the first day of the retreat.
• Pre-registration is required for Kyol-Che long retreats.

Do I have to be a Buddhist to practice meditation at PZC?

No. We seek to make meditation practice accessible to all. It is our wish to help everyone find their true direction and to save all beings from suffering. Therefore, people of all faiths as well as secular practitioners are welcome to our sangha (Zen Buddhist community).

Will I have to sit on the floor to meditate?

In our school, we alternate between 25 minute sitting meditation and 10 minute walking meditation periods. Plenty of meditation cushions and a few meditation benches are available for use by guests. Chairs are available for those who are unable to sit on the floor for meditation. Let us know ahead of time if you require significant accommodations.

Is there a dress code?

We suggest (but don’t require) that repeat visitors wear a gray bowing robe during practice. As in most Asian spiritual traditions, the robes we wear are an expression of our intention. Guest robes are available to all visitors – a dharma teacher will explain how to tie your robe during orientation. Comfortable loose clothing is recommended for sitting meditation. Please remove your shoes and place them on the shoe rack upon entering PZC buildings.

Are PZC buildings accessible to persons with disabilities?

Accessible parking is located on the left hand side of the main building. Accessible, gender-neutral restroom is located on the first floor through the coat-room. Diamond Hill Monastery is currently NOT wheelchair accessible. Please call in advance of visiting if you require staff assistance or other accessibility accommodations.

Is parking free?

Yes. If the visitor parking lot is full, feel free to park along the driveway (park diagonally to maximize space). 

Can you accommodate food allergies or other dietary restrictions?

All food served at PZC is vegetarian. If you require dietary accommodations, please contact us before coming in to dinner or when registering for a retreat. Allergens such as nuts are likely to be present in the PZC kitchens. Outside food may be allowed in cases where we cannot accommodate medical dietary restrictions, but please do not bring meat, alcohol, or  illegal drugs onto PZC property.