Residential Practice

Atlanta Soto Zen Center (est. 1977), located just off the western edge of Emory campus near Sage Hill Shopping Center, situated on the edge of Nickel Bottom Park and wooded acreage, offers a residency program for serious students of Zen and Buddhism.Please browse our website to familiarize yourself with our center, and contact our Abbot, Taiun Elliston-Roshi at taiunmelliston@gmail.com to arrange an entry interview.

Amenities which come with residency at the Atlanta Soto Zen Center:

•Opportunity for formal training – Ango, part of which can be spent at Watershed Retreat Center It is located in the pleasant and dynamic Virginia Highlands area where everyone wants to be

•Close to Emory University Zonolite campus includes Podium Multisport Bike Shop, Nickel Bottom Community Gardens, Zonolite hiking trails, Peachtree Creek

•Sage Hill Shopping Center

•Art shows and openings

•Friday evening music events

•Private room

•Full shared kitchen and dining room

•RV hook up

•Residents can attend all events free and are invited to use up remaining food from events

•Short term residency available for $50 per night which is a real bargain compared to a B&B or hotel

Residents of ASZC: frequent attendance is expected (not required) as part of your residency. Please plan to attend our regular Sunday morning session, sutra service and hybrid dialog, as well as weekday morning meditation sessions, or let Sensei know why you cannot. We will review your status on a monthly basis. Your presence in following the schedule — which is the standard at all residential Zen centers — is an inspiration to others and helps cover the inevitable staffing issues for leadership in an all-volunteer organization. You may request Doan (timekeeper & chant leader) training M-F in the 7:00-7:30 am time slot with Sensei by appointment, with Shinjin Mike Goldman or Eijun Carola Butler-senseis, or with Taizan John Liles, Mushin Darren Simpson, or Jobuku Daniel Melton, senior resident. You may also train to lead newcomers Wednesday evenings with any of the senior teachers by appointment. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any of the above leaders or Sensei.

Contact our Abbot, Tauin Michael Elliston to discuss details of occupancy, fees, and to request our 90-day Residency Agreement to read.