World Zen Fellowship
A local path into Zen practice
On Alexandria’s King Street, the World Zen Fellowship brings a named spiritual lineage and teacher into a compact city setting. The fellowship is identified with Mahayana, Patriarchal Lineage Zen, and Pohwa Sunim serves as its spiritual director. For visitors, that gives a useful starting point: a local Zen community to contact about practice, rather than a residential retreat with a published itinerary. The address is 1014 King Street, Suite #2, and the center runs by donation, with no fixed fee stated. Details such as sitting times, first-visit arrangements and retreat dates are best confirmed directly before making plans. Check worldzen.org for current visitor guidance, then allow time to explore Alexandria around your visit. This is a place to approach with curiosity and a little advance planning, especially if you are hoping to join a specific session.
Highlights
- Spiritual leadership under Pohwa Sunim
- Affiliation with the World Zen Fellowship
- A named spiritual director to ask about first-visit arrangements
Good for
Setting
The fellowship meets at a King Street suite in Alexandria, placing it in an urban setting rather than a secluded retreat landscape. Visitors can plan a practice visit alongside time in the surrounding city.
The practice
The fellowship identifies with Mahayana, Patriarchal Lineage Zen, with Pohwa Sunim as spiritual director. Zen commonly includes seated meditation and attention to posture and breath. Ask the fellowship what a first visit involves and whether guidance is offered to newcomers.
A typical day
Daily structure varies by retreat or gathering, so confirm the schedule with the fellowship before visiting.
Accommodation
Residential lodging details are not listed. Arrange accommodation independently and ask the fellowship whether overnight stays are possible.
What to bring
For Zen sitting, bring comfortable clothes that allow you to sit easily. Alexandria averages 13.8°C annually: pack lighter layers for June through August, warmer layers for December through February, and a rain layer for the wetter months of May through July.
How to get there
The address is 1014 King Street, Suite #2, Alexandria. Check a current map for the best route to the King Street entrance before setting out.
Nearest airport: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) (5 km)
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is approximately 5 km from the center. A taxi or rideshare can cover the trip; check current routes and travel times before departure.
Nearest city: Washington
Contact the fellowship through worldzen.org to ask about arranging a visit or reserving a place.
The fellowship runs by donation, with no fixed fee stated. Ask whether a suggested contribution applies to the session or event you plan to attend.
Interested in this center? Check availability and upcoming retreats on their official site.
Visit World Zen Fellowship websiteClimate
Climate Zone: Temperate
Best Months: Nov, Jan, Dec
Avoid: May, Jul, Jun
Alexandria’s annual average temperature is 13.8°C, with the warmest months from June through August and the coolest from December through February. May through July tend to be wetter, while November through January are among the driest months.
Location
Frequently asked questions
What is the daily schedule for visitors?
Ask the fellowship directly about current sitting times and the format of a visit.
Can beginners attend?
Contact the fellowship to ask whether newcomers are welcome at a particular session and what instruction is included.
How do I arrange a visit or reserve a place?
Use worldzen.org to contact the fellowship and confirm how to attend.
What language is used for instruction?
Ask the fellowship to confirm the language for the session you plan to attend.
Are meals or overnight stays included?
Ask the fellowship directly about meals and lodging before making travel plans.
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