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Zen center at 115 S. St. Peter Street, South Bend — founder Tom Petersen began formal Zen practice in 1995; the center's founding year is not stated on its own site
The center: Sophia Zen Center is a nonprofit Zen practice center in downtown South Bend. In its own words, "We provide a space, mutual support, and guidance for Zen practice in the Maria Kannon and Sanbo Zen lineages," teaching "in the Zen tradition under Guiding Teacher Maria Reis Habito and Resident Teacher John Petersen." A conference biography of its founder, Tom Petersen, records that he began formal Zen practice in 1995 under Ruben Habito, master of the Maria Kannon Zen Center in Dallas, and afterward founded Sophia Zen Center in South Bend, where he is spiritual director. The Soto Zen Buddhist Association's directory also lists the center, as "Sophia Zen Temple," at the same St. Peter Street address.
Sources:
- Sophia Zen Center (sophiazen.org) — the center's lineages, its guiding and resident teachers, and its nonprofit character.
- The Art and Soul of Compassion, participants page — Tom Petersen's biography: Zen practice begun 1995 under Ruben Habito and his founding of Sophia Zen Center.
- Soto Zen Buddhist Association, Zen Centers by State (szba.org) — the center's listing at 115 S. Saint Peter Street, South Bend.