Long Range Development Plan

A forty acre farm was donated for the development of Ryumonji. The land was donated in February of 2000. During the first two years many volunteers worked to clean up the farm land and renovate the existing buildings. The farm house was originally a 1890's log cabin. The second floor of the log cabin portion of the farm house was used as the original zen meditation room. The barn was renovated for workshop use and the grainery renovated for storage.

Buddha Hall

In 2004, the first of four permanent monastery buildings was dedicated. This main building is referred to as the Buddha Hall (Hondo). It is the place of services, ceremonies and lectures. The Buddha Hall is a 40' x 52' timber framed structure with metal roof and in-floor heating. It was dedicated on June 27, 2004.

Buddha Hall Dedication

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Entry Gate

The Entry Gate (Sanmon) is a traditional passage way from one’s secular life to entering the monastery living complex. It was completed in 2005.

Bell Tower

The Bell Tower (Shoro) is a tradition structure of the Zen Monastery The sound of the bell echoes throughout the valley and calls people to service. The bell tower was completed in 2005.

Bell Tower (Shoro)

Kuin

The Kuin is a kitchen/residential facility. It contains a large commercial kitchen and residential facilities for guest participants and resident teachers. There is also a large community dining facility, office, and library/dokusan (interview) room. It is a 46' x 70' structure with two levels. It also has a geothermal heating/cooling system in place. It was dedicated on June 26, 2007.

Kuin Dedication (June 2007)

Sodo

The Sodo or Monks' Hall was dedicated June 26, 2011 and is used for monks in residential priest training periods and the practice of zazen meditation for the general public. Residential monk practitioners practice zazen as well as sleep and eat in the Sodo. The Sodo is built to ancient traditional standards that have been transmitted through India, China and Japan.

Sodo Dedication (June 2011)

Long Range Plans

A final monastery building is scheduled for construction in 2012. This is the Shuryo (Residential Study Quarters). This is a complementary building attached to the Sodo. It provides study quarters and bath facilities for those residing in the Sodo during residential practice.

Architecture Plans

Plot Plan	Project Elevation
Site Plan	Buddha Hall, Sodo, Shuryo