Salem Zen Center

For over 25 years, the Salem Zen Center (an American Zen Buddhist community located in Salem, Oregon) has gathered to practice Zen meditation and study Zen Buddhist teachings. 

The Salem Zen Center (SZC) developed out of the Compassionate Mind Sangha, a group originally founded by members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem.

 In 2023, the SZC was given stewardship of Miao Chung (Wondrous Intent) Temple by its founder Master Chung (a Pure Land Buddhist priest). Now, along with the Salem Buddhist Association, our many donors, and sangha members, we provide a place for community meditation, Dharma talks, chanting service, and samu (contemplative work days). Altogether, these practices, are a dynamic expression of Zen practice.  

Our Temple:

Miao Chung temple was originally founded in 2006 as a Pure Land Buddhist Temple by Master Chung (who came as a missionary from Taiwan along with his assistant, Shifu Chen Yan). It had long served the Salem community as a local church for decades before this. Before it’s religious use, the temple building served as a small homestead and is noted to have historical indicators that it was originally constructed as a barn complete with a hay loft (just above the current meditation hall). 

The temple is now a place of ongoing practice for the Salem Zen Center and community, under the direction of the Salem Buddhist Association. Weekly volunteers and monthly donors who’ve made ongoing pledges of support sustain this local sanctuary of stillness and traditional Zen meditation practice.

Our Practice

We offer meditation programs every Tuesday and Sunday with an additional work and meditation opportunity every Thursday.

We are located in Miao Chung Temple.
The address is: 1485 Mill Street SE in Salem, Oregon 97301.
All programs are offered free of charge, donations and monthly pledges are dearly appreciated. 

Feel invited to wear a mask if needed or to join online if you prefer. We are committed to providing the opportunity to gather together for practice and respect everyone’s needs and concerns for wellness. 

If you are able, please make a monthly pledge to support the new temple.

We follow Salem-Keizer School Inclement Weather policy. If schools are out, we will not meet so we can keep everyone safe.  Please check here for school cancellations: https://salkeiz.k12.or.us/about/closures-delays