Upcoming Winter 2026 Intro to Zen Class

Are you ready to bring more mindfulness and clarity to your everyday routine? Join us for our upcoming 5-week series, Introduction to Zen Meditation and Mindfulness, starting Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Led by Rev. Eishin Tom Houghton, this interactive class explores the “Four Foundations of Mindfulness,” offering practical tools to help you navigate life with confidence and calm. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner, you are welcome here. We operate on a free-will donation basis to ensure these teachings are accessible to all.  Learn More

The purpose of human life is just to plant good seeds day by day. That’s enough. If we do this, we create human culture; we can leave a wonderful culture, not only for us and for the people around us but for people from generation to generation.

Dainin Katagiri
Founder of Des Moines Zen Center Lineage

The aim of the Zen Center is to provide a place where people can examine their lives, their intentions, their relationship to the world.  The ultimate solution to the problems facing our world is a foundational change in each of our individual lives, a change in our attitude, facing our own greed, anger, and delusion and converting these into generosity, lovingkindness, and wisdom. The Zen Center provides a place where this transformation can be practiced, taught, and supported.

Eido Espe, Head Priest/Teacher Emeritus
Founder, Deep River Temple (Shinsenji)

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The Des Moines Zen Center, Deep River Temple (Shinsenji), is committed to inclusivity and diversity and welcomes people from all walks of life, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and religions. The practice of sitting quietly with yourself, surrounded and supported by others doing the same, can benefit everyone.