Welcome to Ryumonji

Black and white illustration of a stone gate with plants around it and a wooden sign reading 'RYUMONJI'.

Ryumonji is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of northeast Iowa. In 2000, forty acres of farmland were donated for the site, and a vibrant community of lay and ordained members from across the country has since transformed it into a traditional Soto Zen training monastery. The buildings were constructed according to standards passed down from the Zen tradition in China, and the land and structures alike reflect the spirit of "peaceful dwelling."

All are welcome to learn and practice. Public meditation sessions are held every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., with orientation available for newcomers before either sitting. Monthly weekend retreats (Sesshin) and extended summer and winter practice periods (Ango) are also offered — see the yearly calendar for dates.

Ryumonji does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or religion in any of its programs or activities.

Our mission

As we are aware of the suffering caused by our sense of separation from all beings, we seek to awaken to the interdependent workings of universe nurtured in an environment of silent reflection and compassionate living. Ryumonji Zen Monastery (RZM) provides an environment and practice tradition designed to facilitate this awareness and its implications for living in peace and harmony with all beings and the earth itself.

Take a look inside
Ryumonji Zen Monastary

Listen to the wisdom at Ryumonji Zen Monastery

Our Dharma talks are recorded and available to stream for free on SoundCloud. Whether you are near or far, you can sit with the teachings anytime. Visit our SoundCloud page to listen, follow along, and carry the practice with you wherever you go.
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Take a look inside Ryumonji Zen Monastary

What's going on at Ryumonji?

News &
Special Events

Stay connected with the life and practice of Ryumonji Zen Monastery. Check here for our latest news and updates, as well as details on upcoming special events. There is always something unfolding at Dragon Gate Temple — we are glad to share it with you.

Our Practices

Ryumonji offers several ways to engage with practice and community — in person at the monastery, through virtual Zoom gatherings, or weekly with the sangha through our Tuesday Evening Book Group. Orientation is available for those who are new to Ryumonji.

Sesshin & Ango

Ryumonji offers monthly weekend sesshins throughout the year, along with a traditional Winter and Summer Ango — providing opportunities to deepen your practice through intensive retreat or a longer period of residential monastic training.

Donate

Ryumonji Zen Monastery is sustained by the generosity of those who value its teachings and the practice it supports. Your donation helps maintain the monastery, its grounds, and the many programs that make this community possible. We are grateful for your support.

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Scroll down to see our yearly schedule

Yearly Calendar

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