Dai Bosatsu Zendo, a modern embodiment of traditional Japanese architecture, draws inspiration from the ancient Zen temple of Tofukuji in Kyoto, Japan. After nearly 50 years, the passage of time has begun to leave its mark on Dai Bosatsu Zendo, and many critical elements require repair or restoration. In May 2023, we launched a monumental Monastery Restoration Campaign with a target of $1.5 million. Our Sangha’s remarkable generosity enabled us to surpass more than fifty percent of our goal and initiate crucial restoration work. While we have made considerable progress, the journey toward full restoration continues. To learn more, watch the DBZ Monastery Video Series.
Where We Are
Phase I-a: Completed $208,000
> Install heat pump in Zendo
> Install heat pump in Dharma Hall
> Prepare site for solar array
> Replace the big temple bell beams
Watch Video
Phase I-b: In-progress $555,825
> Upgrade heating systems:
Library, guest wing, abbot’s quarters
> Weatherstrip and insulate doors
> Restore leaking copper roof saddles
> Treat the damaging moss on the roof
> Paint the monastery building’s exterior
> First phase of solar panel installation
Watch Video
What We Need
Phase II: Adopt a Project $235,950
> Final phase of solar panel $55,000
> Restore the masonry walls $12,000
> Reset the bluestone patio $61,750
> Repair fascia/rafter tails on roof $13,200
> Repair stairs to resident quarters $1,500
> Install dehumidifiers in utility areas $7,500
> Replace 13 handmade oak doors $50,000
> Paint interior spaces $35,000 Watch Video
Phase III: Budget $500,225
> Fix wells, pipes, valves, filtration $170,000
> Renovate bathrooms/ventilation $240,500
> Repair the stone retaining walls $15,000
> Construct an equipment care area $40,000
> Renovate garage and woodshed $34,725
How You Can Help
When we practice at Dai Bosatsu Zendo, we experience that our spiritual growth is not separate from the building that offers the space for practice. We are now called to extend our care by embodying dana (generosity), so that current and future practitioners can continue coming home to this monastery for the next 50 years.
Contributions to restore Dai Bosatsu Zendo can be made online or by check to the Zen Studies Society. If contributing by check, please write “Monastery Restoration” on the memo line and send it to:
The Zen Studies Society
PO Box 1821
New York NY 10021
If you’re 70 1/2 or older, you can make tax-free, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) of up to $100,000 per year to the Zen Studies Society directly from your IRA account. Starting at age 73, you must take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your IRAs. You can fulfill that requirement by designating those RMDs as qualified charitable distributions to the Zen Studies Society, thereby avoiding taxes on the gifted amount.
To learn more, explore the Monastery Restoration Brochure. Email RestoreDBZ@zenstudies.org or call (201) 618-7896 with additional questions.
With deep bows of gratitude.
