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Home General Information Honorary Founder Teachers Yearly Schedule Special Events Sesshin and Ango Information Long Range Development Fundraising Newsletters Pictures Sutras Travel Directions Ryumonji Zen Monastry 2452 Ryumon Road Dorchester, IA 52140 (563) 546-1309 office@ryumonji.org |
Long Range Development PlanA 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 HallIn 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. Entry GateThe 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 TowerThe 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) KuinThe 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) Long Range PlansTwo additional monastery buildings are being planned, the Sodo (Monks Hall) and the Shuryo (Study Quarters). These two buildings are for monks in residential training. The Sodo is also a meditation hall for monks and lay practitioners to practice zazen. Architecture Plans
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