Zen Studies Society

NYZ: Winter Sutra Collective
2026-01-30 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, December 12th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Friday, December 19th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Friday, January 9th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Friday, January 23rd, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Friday, January 30th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm

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

NYZ: Open AA 11th Step Meeting
2026-01-31 11:00 - 12:45 | New York Zendo, 223 E 67th St, New York, NY, 10065
We welcome you to “Acceptance,” an open AA 11th Step meditation meeting at New York Zendo.
Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Meditation begins promptly at 11 a.m. and lasts 30 minutes. If this is your first time attending this meeting, please arrive early to receive a short orientation. Both cushions and chairs are provided.
Please arrive on time, there will be no entry during the meditation period to avoid disruptions. Doors re-open at 11:30 a.m., and an open AA meeting begins at 11:45 a.m. on the second floor.
Registration is not required. ZSS Health Protocols apply.

NYZ: Welcome the New Year with Noh
2026-01-31 14:00 - 15:00 | New York Zendo, 223 E 67th St, New York, NY, 10065
Noh is a traditional Japanese art form that combines music, dance, and drama, and was established in the 14th century. Today, Noh is commonly understood as a performing art, however in medieval Japan it was also practiced as a form of physical training and mindfulness. Through the teachings found in Noh plays, practitioners cultivated presence, awareness of the moment, and the ability to live well and endure challenges.
This workshop is designed for those who are new to Noh and offers an experiential introduction to Noh chanting (utai). Participants will learn to chant using deep breathing and internal core muscles. The workshop features Takasago, one of the most beloved Noh chants, which tells the story of pine trees symbolizing harmony, peace, and eternity. Through this practice, you will learn to ground your body, breathe deeply from your center, awaken your senses, and explore the unique vocal power of Utai.
Participants will also learn how to center the body through fundamental elements of Noh movement, including the formal stance (kamae), sliding steps (suriashi), and stylized dance movements (kata).
The workshop will be held at New York Zendo – an ideal setting to reconnect with yourself, clear your mind, and awaken your awareness through the power of voice. Expect a meditative yet energizing experience that engages your whole body.
About the instructor: Mayo Miwa (三輪万葉) majored in Noh theater at Tokyo University of the Arts and trained at the Kanze School in Japan. 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.
Instruction will be offered in both Japanese and English, and no prior experience is necessary. The fee for this workshop is $30 for nonmembers and $25 for Zen Studies Society (ZSS) members. Note that the member price is for ZSS members only – please consider becoming a Supporting Member. Please register and make payments via Paypal to gekyouman@gmail.com, for futher information please email info@miwamayo.com. ZSS Health Protocols apply.

Online: Sunday Morning Service and Zazen
2026-02-01 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-08 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
2026-02-01 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-08 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: Morning Zazen
2026-02-02 06:45 - 07:45, 2026-02-03 06:45 - 07:45, 2026-02-04 06:45 - 07:45, 2026-02-05 06:45 - 07:45, 2026-02-09 06:45 - 07:45, 2026-02-10 06:45 - 07:45, 2026-02-11 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
2026-02-02 06:45 - 07:45, 2026-02-03 06:45 - 07:45, 2026-02-04 06:45 - 07:45, 2026-02-05 06:45 - 07:45, 2026-02-09 06:45 - 07:45, 2026-02-10 06:45 - 07:45, 2026-02-11 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: Evening Zazen
2026-02-02 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-04 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-09 19:00 - 21:00 | New York Zendo, 223 E 67th St, New York, NY, 10065
On Monday and Wednesday evenings, New York Zendo is open for zazen from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
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: Zazen and Tai Chi
2026-02-03 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-10 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.

Online: Introduction to Zen Meditation
2026-02-04 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
Join us on Zoom every Wednesday evening for Introduction to Zen Meditation. We begin with instruction on meditation posture and technique, followed by a brief period of guided meditation and an opportunity for questions.
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. Anyone who attends this introduction is then welcome to join us at New York Zendo for other practice events.
Please register by sending an email to lauren@laurenann.net by the Friday before the class you would like to attend.
You are also welcome to join our in-person Introduction to Zen Meditation at New York Zendo on Thursday evenings. ZSS Health Protocols apply for this in-person event.

Online: Engaged Buddhism Dharma Discussion
2026-02-04 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
First Wednesday of each Month | 7:00 – 8:30 pm EST
Facilitated by Jifu Devyani Sadh
In this space, we work strategically to cut through a wide range of systemic issues arising from collective greed, aversion, and delusion. We will begin with 30 minutes of zazen followed by an Engaged Buddhism Dharma Discussion grounded in shared wisdom.
These free zoom sessions are open to those interested in exploring ways to “engage” in socially meaningful action in any of the six areas of Engaged Buddhism at ZSS.
Learn more about Engaged Buddhism at the Zen Studies Society.
SIGN UP

NYZ: Introduction to Zen Meditation
2026-02-05 18:45 - 21:00 | New York Zendo, 223 E 67th St, New York, NY, 10065
If you are new to Rinzai Zen Buddhism, New York Zendo Shobo-ji offers city dwellers the opportunity to experience traditional Zen practice and find an oasis of deep stillness in the heart of Manhattan.
Every Thursday evening, the Introduction to Zen Meditation class covers the basics of zazen (seated meditation): posture, breathing, and concentration. Beginners will also learn the form used at New York Zendo Shobo-ji including bowing, chanting, and kinhin (walking meditation). Doors open at 6:15 p.m. and instruction begins promptly at 6:45 p.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. No prior experience is necessary. This class is a pre-requisite for attending zazen at New York Zendo.
The fee for this class is $10, please register here. If you have questions, please email office@newyorkzendo.org or call 212-861-3333 before registering. ZSS Health Protocols apply.

You are also welcome to join our online Introduction to Zen Meditation.

NYZ: Ordinary Mind Zazenkai
2026-02-07 09:00 - 17:00 | New York Zendo, 223 E 67th St, New York, NY, 10065
In lieu of the Ordinary Mind Sesshin this month we are offering an all-day zazenkai, both in-person at New York Zendo, and online. The day includes alternating periods of zazen and kinhin, with a break for lunch at midday. You may join for whatever portion of the day you like.
Note: Barry Magid will not be participating in this February zazenkai. Please find the daily schedule below.
The fee for in-person participation is $35. The fee for online participation is $5-$25 sliding scale. Please register by completing a short form on the Ordinary Mind website and making your payment. ZSS Health Protocols apply.
Schedule
Morning
9:00 – 9:30 Zazen
9:40 – 10:10 Zazen
10:20 – 10:50 Zazen
11:00 – 11:30 Zazen
11:40 – 12:10 Zazen
12:20 – 12:50 Zazen
Midday
12:50 – 2:00 Lunch Break and Rest
Afternoon
2:00 – 2:30 Zazen
2:40 – 3:10 Zazen
3:20 – 3:50 Zazen
4:00 – 4:30 Zazen
4:35 – 4:55 Zazen
4:55 – 5:00 Vows & Bows
