NYZ: Temple Closed
2025-11-27, 2025-11-29, 2025-11-30 | New York Zendo, 223 E 67th St, New York, NY, 10065
New York Zendo Shobo-ji is closed today. Please check the calendar for schedule modifications.

NYZ: Autumn Sutra Collective
2025-11-28 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | New York Zendo, 223 E 67th St, New York, NY, 10065
Feeling anxious for no reason, or worn out by the usual happy hour scene? Try something different.
Sutra copying is a traditional Buddhist practice that generates merit for yourself and for all beings. You don’t need to be a Buddhist or a skilled calligrapher to take part.
Moving slowly, stroke by stroke through the Buddha’s words, this practice quiets the mind and anchors you in the present moment.
Join us at New York Zendo Shobo-ji, in the peaceful presence of the Great Buddha statue, and connect with like-hearted practitioners. If you would like to share your favorite dessert or beverages with other practitioners, feel free to bring them.
The schedule for this Sutra Collective series will be as follows:

Friday, September 19th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Friday, October 31st, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Friday, November 7th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Friday, November 14th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Friday, November 21st, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Friday, November 28th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm

There is no fee for this class, all are welcome! ZSS Health Protocols apply.

DBZ: Rohatsu Sesshin // Registration is Closed
2025-11-30 16:00 - 2025-12-08 14:00 | Dai Bosatsu Zendo, 223 Beecher Lake Road, Livingston Manor, NY, 12758
Registration is now closed. Sign up for the ZSS Newsletter to receive information on upcoming events.

Rohatsu is held each year at Zen Buddhist temples and monasteries throughout the world. This eight-day intensive sesshin commemorates the enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha who vowed not to rise from beneath the Bodhi tree until he achieved true awakening. We sit Rohatsu motivated by his dedication, realizing this is unsurpassable opportunity for deep practice.
Led by Chigan Roshi, Rohatsu begins the evening of November 30 and concludes on the morning of December 8 with Jodo-E (Buddha’s Enlightenment Ceremony). Each day, scheduled sittings extend further and further into the night. Each evening we will hear Hakuin Zenji’s “Rohatsu Exhortations.” Chigan Roshi and Shinge Roshi will give teisho and offer dokusan. For more details and the typical sesshin schedule, please visit the Dai Bosatsu Zendo Sesshin page.
The fee for this sesshin is $625 for nonmembers and $550 for Zen Studies Society (ZSS) members. Note that the member price is for ZSS members only – please consider becoming a Supporting Member. If this will be your first sesshin, or you have any questions, please email office@daibosatsu.org before registering. ZSS Health Protocols apply.
If you are able to support students in financial difficulty, please consider making an additional donation. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, you may apply for a reduced rate here.

NYZ: Morning Zazen
2025-12-01 06:45 - 07:45, 2025-12-02 06:45 - 07:45, 2025-12-03 06:45 - 07:45, 2025-12-04 06:45 - 07:45, 2025-12-10 06:45 - 07:45 | New York Zendo, 223 E 67th St, New York, NY, 10065
New York Zendo is open for morning zazen Monday through Thursday from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. Doors open at 6:30 a.m.
A quiet atmosphere with minimal distractions is essential to our practice. Please do not wear scented cosmetics, and set any electronic device to silent mode. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Refer to Zendo Etiquette for more details.
Newcomers to the temple are kindly requested to attend one Introduction to Zen Meditation class, held on Thursday evenings, before joining the community for other practice events.
A $10 donation (payable online) is requested from non-members. Please consider becoming a Supporting Member of the Zen Studies Society. Registration is not required. ZSS Health Protocols apply.
This event is also offered online.

Online: Morning Zazen
2025-12-01 06:45 - 07:45, 2025-12-02 06:45 - 07:45, 2025-12-03 06:45 - 07:45, 2025-12-04 06:45 - 07:45 | Online
Join us online for zazen Monday through Thursday from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. The Zoom meeting room will open at approximately 6:30 a.m. Short morning service begins at 6:45 a.m. Zazen begins at 7 a.m. and continues until 7:40 a.m.

We will use our sutra book. A quiet atmosphere with minimal distractions is essential to our practice. Please set any electronic device to silent mode and wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Feel free to come and go at whatever time your schedule allows.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 824 2548 5117
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Registration is not required.

NYZ: Rohatsu Week Zazen
2025-12-01 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-12-02 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-12-03 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-12-04 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-12-05 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-12-06 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-12-07 19:00 - 22:00 | New York Zendo, 223 E 67th St, New York, NY, 10065
Rohatsu, a Japanese word meaning “the eighth day of the last month of the year,” is held each year in Zen monasteries around the world to commemorate the enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha. During this eight-day period, we manifest the Buddha’s determination as he sat beneath the Bodhi tree, vowing not to rise until he achieved true awakening. Every student contributes to and takes strength from the powerful energy and determination of all.
At New York Zendo, we will sit from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. each night from December 1st through December 7th. Yaza, voluntary sitting after the formal close of the evening, is encouraged. We will sit all night on December 7th, and Rohatsu will end with the chanting of the Jodo-E ceremony on the morning of the 8th.
If you are not able to attend in person, we will be also offering this event online:
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 824 2548 5117
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Donations welcome, please consider becoming a Supporting Member of Zen Studies Society (ZSS). ZSS Health Protocols apply.

NYZ: Triratna In-Person Practice Day
2025-12-06 10:00 - 13:00 | New York Zendo, 223 E 67th St, New York, NY, 10065
Triratna | Looking to the Niyamas for Solace
We’d like to invite you to an in-person practice day led by Srisara, where we come together in community for meditation, a dharma teaching, and fellowship. We’ll dip into the Five Niyamas, which in Theravāda Buddhism are the natural laws and orders that govern both the physical and mental universe.
Join us at NYZ for a morning of meditation, discussion, ritual, and connecting with community, followed by lunch at 1:15 p.m. @Le Botaniste UES, which serves 100% organic, plant-based food. You can find it at 833 Lexington Avenue (between 63rd & 64th St).
Agenda:

Gathering and check-in
Meditation
Programming
Meditation
Check-out
Light Lunch: Participants bring your own to enjoy and/or share OR participate in a lunch outing

Srisara is a devoted Buddhist and a long-time member of the Triratna Buddhist Community. She was ordained in 2018 and is the first “homegrown” order member, having first come in contact with Triratna in New York City in 2003.
Srisara weaves Buddhism into all aspects of her life, including her work as a psychotherapist, and delights in the teachings on impermanence and our extraordinary capacity toward change. She feels most at home in nature and brings a wealth of practice and experience to her teachings.
All are welcome. Suggested donation of $25- 40, please register using the Triratna link here.

NYZ: Seiza Quiet-sitting & Dharma Talk on Shin Buddhism
2025-12-06 14:00 - 16:00 | New York Zendo, 223 E 67th St, New York, NY, 10065
Join us for seiza meditation at New York Zendo Shobo-ji, led by Miki Nakura. Seiza (quiet sitting) was established in Japan more than 110 years ago by Okada Torajiro Sensei. The sitting form is the traditional Japanese kneeling position, but seiza can also be practiced sitting in a chair.
In seiza, we learn how to find the most physically balanced posture, in accordance with gravity, following correct breathing and allowing the full flow of energy into the lower belly (also known as the hara or tan t’ien region). Through this practice we can naturally experience total serenity of the body-mind. D.T. Suzuki encouraged American Zen students, including Ruth Fuller Sasaki, to practice seiza before and during their zazen training.
A quiet atmosphere with minimal distractions is essential to our practice. Please do not wear scented cosmetics, and set any electronic device to silent mode. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
About the instructor: Miki Nakura, a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist minister based in New York, started practicing seiza 30 years ago under the guidance of his teachers in Japan. He has been devoting himself to sharing seiza with students since 2004.
Everyone is welcome! Note that this event is offered in-person only. Registration is not required. ZSS Health Protocols apply.

Online: Sunday Morning Service and Zazen
2025-12-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Join us online for Sunday Morning Service and zazen. Choka (morning service) will begin at 10 a.m., followed by kinhin (walking meditation), and zazen. A Dharma Talk will be given on the first Sunday of each month.
A quiet atmosphere with minimal distractions is essential to our practice. Please set any electronic device to silent mode and wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
The Zoom meeting room will open at approximately 9:30am.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 824 2548 5117
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Registration is not required.

NYZ: Sunday Morning Service and Zazen
2025-12-07 10:00 - 13:00 | New York Zendo, 223 E 67th St, New York, NY, 10065
On Sundays, we hold choka (morning service) at 10 a.m., followed by kinhin (walking meditation) and zazen. A Dharma Talk will be given on the first Sunday of each month. After zazen, there will be 30 minutes of nittensoji (temple cleaning), followed by tea and informal discussion. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.
A quiet atmosphere with minimal distractions is essential to our practice. Please do not wear scented cosmetics, and set any electronic device to silent mode. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Refer to Zendo Etiquette for more details.
Newcomers to the temple are kindly requested to attend one Introduction to Zen Meditation class, held on Thursday evenings, before joining the community for other practice events.
A $10 donation (payable online) is requested from non-members. Please consider becoming a Supporting Member of the Zen Studies Society. Registration is not required. ZSS Health Protocols apply.
This event is also offered online.

NYZ: Noh Chanting Workshop Series
2025-12-07 14:00 - 15:00 | New York Zendo, 223 E 67th St, New York, NY, 10065
Experience the Voice of Noh: UTAI
A 5-part workshop series from August 24th to December 7th, 2025
Noh, the Japanese classical performing art established nearly 700 years ago, is understood today as an art form to watch, but it was originally intended to be experienced. Through Noh chanting (utai) and Noh dance (mai), participants engaged with the profound meaning behind the words, and cultivated harmony between mind and body.
This summer, the Noh Society invites beginners to participate in a 5-part workshop series where you will experience utai, the vocal expression of Noh, through breath, voice, and movement.
The first session will explore Takasago, a masterpiece of Noh about pine trees that celebrates harmony, peace, and eternity. Participants will learn to ground their bodies, breathe deeply from the core, awaken the senses, and explore the unique vocal power of utai.
The second session, Center and Go Beyond, we will continue to explore we’ll explore Takasago, and participants will learn to center their body, and experience fundamental elements of Noh movement, including the formal stance (kamae), sliding steps (suriashi), and stylized dance movements (kata).
In the third session we’ll continue to explore Takasago in addition to Hagoromo, a graceful tale of a celestial maiden. The session will also include Yuya, a Noh dance through which participants can experience centering the body in motion.
In the fourth session, Put Your Heart into Words, we’ll continue to explore Takasago and Hagoromo while diving deeper into the fundamental elements of Noh movement, stylized dance movements (kata), and the Noh dance, Yuya.
In the fifth and final session, Through Noh, A Gaze Within, participants will mindfully practice the movements of Noh dance from the Takasago, and reflect upon the past year.
The series will be held at New York Zendo, a perfect setting to reconnect with yourself, clear your mind, and awaken your awareness through the power of voice. Expect a meditative, energizing experience that engages your whole body and will enable you to step into fall with renewed focus and fresh energy.
About the instructor: Mayo Miwa (三輪万葉) is a New York City-based Noh performer and instructor. She earned her Noh major from Tokyo University of the Arts and trained at the Kanze School. As Vice President of the Noh Society, she actively facilitates educational programs with Japanese actors and teaches at various US institutions. She is dedicated to sharing Noh’s timeless art, exploring how it can inspire the mind and body, and how it may continue to evolve in today’s world.
The fee for one session is $20. Please register using this link. Instruction will be in Japanese & English. No prior experience is necessary.

Session One | Sunday, August 24th, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Session Two | Sunday, September 21st, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Session Three | Sunday, October 12th, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Session Four | Saturday, November 15th 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Session Five | Sunday, December 7th, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

*Please note that the November session has been moved from the 2nd to the 15th

NYZ: Zazen, Jodo-E Chanting Ceremony, & Informal Breakfast
2025-12-08 06:45 - 09:45 | New York Zendo, 223 E 67th St, New York, NY, 10065
On the morning of December 8th, we will celebrate the end of Rohatsu week with chanting of the Jodo-E ceremony which commemorates Shakyamuni Buddha’s enlightenment.
If you are not able to attend in person, we will be also offering this event online:
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 824 2548 5117
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Details are flexible, depending on how many participants attend. ZSS Health Protocols apply.

DBZ: Fall Kessei Closing Day 2025
2025-12-09 | Dai Bosatsu Zendo, 223 Beecher Lake Road, Livingston Manor, NY, 12758
Kessei offers Zen students a unique opportunity to engage in residential Rinzai Zen practice. In our tradition, kessei refers to a designated period during which daily activities are guided by strict rules and a demanding schedule. Fall Kessei closes on December 9, 2025.
Learn more about the kessei experience as described by kessei practitioners in this in-depth video. To read more in-depth about kessei, click here. To apply for 2026 Spring Kessei (dates to be announced), email us here.

NYZ: Zazen and Tai Chi
2025-12-09 19:00 - 21:00 | New York Zendo, 223 E 67th St, New York, NY, 10065
On Tuesday evenings, New York Zendo is open for zazen and tai chi from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 pm. This program includes 40 minutes of zazen followed by a tai chi class on the second floor.
A quiet atmosphere with minimal distractions is essential to our practice. Please do not wear scented cosmetics, and set any electronic device to silent mode. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Refer to Zendo Etiquette for more details.
Newcomers to the temple are kindly requested to attend one Introduction to Zen Meditation class, held on Thursday evenings, before joining the community for other practice events.
A $10 donation (payable online) is requested from non-members. Please consider becoming a Supporting Member of the Zen Studies Society. Registration is not required. ZSS Health Protocols apply.

NYZ: The Pali Canon - TL;DR
2025-12-09 20:00 - 20:45 | New York Zendo, 223 E 67th St, New York, NY, 10065
A 5-week survey course from November 11th to December 16th, 2025
The Pali Canon is the oldest and most foundational collection of Buddhist scriptures, and our closest record of the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. Yet it is vast, spanning dozens of volumes and thousands of pages, depending on the translation. Some texts remain untranslated into English even today.
In many American Zen sanghas, the Pali Canon is not often emphasized, as the focus tends to be on the teachings of later Zen ancestors. As a result, many Zen students in the West are relatively unfamiliar with its content and structure.
This five-week survey course offers a basic introduction to the Pali Canon and an overview of several of its central teachings. You may find that its style, tone, and approach offer a rich and complementary perspective to your existing Zen practice.
The fee for this online course is $50 for nonmembers and $40 for Zen Studies Society (ZSS) members, register by purchasing a series pass below. Note that the member price is for ZSS members only – please consider becoming a Supporting Member. Classes will be held on Zoom and facilitated by Giun Sensei. A meeting link will be shared in advance, and recordings will be made available to all participants after each session.
The schedule will be as follows:

Tuesday, November 11th, 8 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
Tuesday, November 18th, 8 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
Tuesday, November 25th, 8 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
Tuesday, December 2nd, NO CLASS (Rohatsu)
Tuesday, December 9th, 8 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
Tuesday, December 16th, 8 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
