ABOUT

Our Buildings

The Albuquerque Zen Center is the oldest continuous community urban practice center in Central New Mexico, with a diverse sangha drawn from many walks of life.

AZC was designed by local architects Claude and Donna Armstrong and built by contractor Juan Levy. We opened our new quarters in May 1997. Gracing southwestern architectural components with Japanese aesthetics, the complex includes an adobe zendo (meditation hall) with translucent walls meant to evoke shoji screens, a main building with the teacher’s quarters, meeting room, library, and a building housing bathrooms and the shoji room.

AZC offers a rounded practice of daily meditation, samu (work practice) and study, with a schedule tailored to the rhythms of lay life. Students are encouraged to deepen their practice by participating whenever possible. The center also brings member together informally in social settings like potluck dinners, special celebrations, and community arts events.

Our Lineage Traditions

The history of AZC practice has been rooted in the Rinzai tradition. However, with the influence that has come from diverse and highly respected teachers, we are developing a teaching and learning style that honors all of our Zen history, along with the needs and culture of Albuquerque, New Mexico, today.