Outreach
Soji Zen Center was founded by Roshi Jules Shuzen Harris to promote the spread of Zen Buddhism in fulfillment of his bodhisattva vow to end the suffering of all sentient beings. He believed that direct engagement with the local community was a critical component of this mission, and he urged his students to embody their practice both inside and outside the zendo walls. Shuzen Roshi’s belief in the importance of social engagement continues to inform the sangha’s community outreach efforts today and is nurtured by Soji’s Engaged Buddhism Group, a collection of compassionate practitioners firmly committed to honoring their founder’s vision.
Below, you will find a partial list of Soji projects (both past and present) inspired by this vision. If you are interested in learning more about the sangha’s social outreach or would like to get involved with our Engaged Buddhism Group, please contact Jido Lindauer (Jerry_Lindauer@comcast.net).
Current Initiatives
Partnering with Chester Eastside
Soji members have developed a partnership with Chester Eastside, Inc., a longstanding, well-respected nonprofit interfaith service organization that provides access to nutritional, educational, and recreational programs in Chester, PA. Participants in this projects are currently assisting with the organization’s Food Pantry, Open Table, Open Closet, and After School Programs.
Donating to the Interfaith Food Cupboard
The sangha supports the Interfaith Food Cupboard, an all-volunteer program based at the First Presbyterian Church in Lansdowne, PA. Members provide financial donations to supplement the pantry’s non-perishable food collection efforts.
Leading a Local Meditation Group
Soji sangha members have fostered a relationship with a senior living community in Medford, NJ by establishing a local meditation group. The group is co-led by a Soji senior student and has fostered participation by Medford group members in broader Soji sangha activities.
Providing Spiritual Support to Hospitals
Soji Zen Center continues to provide spiritual support to individuals and families at local hospitals, including Paoli Hospital and Chester County Hospital. Soji’s priests respond to the needs of the local community by offering compassion and presence to patients in times of suffering and transition.
Connecting with Incarcerated Persons
The sangha offers connection and kindness to prison inmates across the country through mail correspondence. Sangha members respond to inquiries and foster relationships with incarcerated persons, inviting them into the fold of the sangha community and supporting their practice.
Supporting Educational Institutions
Members of Soji Zen Center partner with local educational institutions to offer the benefits of the Dharma to people of all ages. Sangha members have interacted with both students and teachers in many capacities, teaching mindfulness, sharing contemplative wisdom, and fostering a greater awareness of the healing power of Zen Buddhism.
Past Initiatives
- Led meditation groups at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia
- Led meditation groups at the John C. Anderson apartments (LGBT-friendly senior apartment community in Philadelphia)
- Led weekly meditation sessions at the Rainbow Buddhist Meditation Group at the William Way Community Center in Philadelphia and a Mindfulness and 12-Step Recovery Program
- Offered an introduction to meditation for staff at Lankenau Medical Center
- Trained Villanova University students in meditation to incorporate into their Student-Run Emergency Housing Unit of Philadelphia
- Provided meditation and literacy training through the Partnership for Employment Program for individuals leaving prison and seeking jobs
- Taught Tai Chi to seniors at Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapeley (assisted living and nursing home)
- Brought a contemplative caregiving approach to veterans in the hospice unit of the Philadelphia Veterans Medical Center
- Provided meditation instruction to staff to share with clients experiencing homelessness, mental illness or addiction
- Collected and donated funds to the Christ Lutheran Community Outreach Corporation in Upper Darby
- Delivered holiday meals and gifts to families at Thanksgiving and Christmas