My name is Brian Schroeder, though in the Zen Buddhist community I go by the name Shudo. I have been at RIT since 2001 as a Professor in the Department of Philosophy, College of Liberal Arts. I am also an ordained priest in the Soto Zen tradition and conduct meditation sessions and Buddhist services for interested students, faculty, and staff.

Zen simply means “meditation.” The purpose of Zen meditation [zazen] is to cultivate a clear, centered and focused mind. There is nothing cosmic, supernatural or spiritual about Zen practice. Zen is focused completely on realizing the beauty and value of everyday existence, and our place in it.

Zen is a way to help us get through the often difficult terrain of life. You don’t have to give up your religious beliefs [or adopt any, for that matter] to enjoy the meditation and value of Zen.

Interested in Zen practice?

Please join us in the Allen Chapel housed in the RIT Schmitt Interfaith Center just off the “quarter mile.”

Meditation sittings take place each Monday at 7:30 pm, and Saturday mornings at 10:30am

Zen practice at RIT follows the Soto way.  For more information about this tradition and meditation practice, please visit http://global.sotozen-net.or.jp/eng.