Online: Sunday Morning Service and Zazen
2025-12-14 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-28 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | 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
2025-12-14 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-28 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: Suizen Intensive
2025-12-14 14:00 - 19:00 | New York Zendo, 223 E 67th St, New York, NY, 10065
Suizen, or “blowing Zen”, refers to the spiritual practice of playing the shakuhachi flute during zazen. The honkyoku repertoire of the shakuhachi – which was developed specifically for Zen practice – has particular technical and aesthetic features that allow it to resist being heard as “music.” Therefore, it tends not to distract the meditating mind in the way that other music might. Compared to other shakuhachi repertoires, honkyoku pieces feature fewer notes with a focus on ornamentation and timbral effects.
There is a famous saying from the world of suizen: ichion jobutsu, meaning “enlightenment in a single note.” Come join us for an afternoon of immersion in this one mysterious note.
Our program will include six forty-minute periods of suizen, with kinhin (walking meditation) in between. Participants must have completed an Introduction to Zen Meditation class before registering.
Solo shakuhachi will be played by Karaku Marco Burmester, who has been studying shakuhachi in New York City and Kyoto since 2006. Karaku has a long-time connection to Dai Bosatsu Zendo as a student of Ronnie Nyogetsu Reishin Seldin, who held workshops at DBZ for many years. He has recently been awarded his shakuhachi teaching certificate and is looking forward to sharing his practice of suizen with the Zen Studies Society Sangha.
The fee for this event is $40 for nonmembers and $30 for Zen Studies Society (ZSS) members. Note that the member price is for ZSS members only – please consider becoming a Supporting Member. If you have any questions, please email office@newyorkzendo.org before registering. ZSS Health Protocols apply.

NYZ: Morning Zazen
2025-12-15 06:45 - 07:45, 2025-12-16 06:45 - 07:45, 2025-12-17 06:45 - 07:45, 2025-12-18 06:45 - 07:45, 2025-12-29 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
2025-12-15 06:45 - 07:45, 2025-12-16 06:45 - 07:45, 2025-12-17 06:45 - 07:45, 2025-12-18 06:45 - 07:45, 2025-12-29 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: Zazen and Dokusan
2025-12-15 19:00 - 21:00 | New York Zendo, 223 E 67th St, New York, NY, 10065
On most Monday evenings, Hokuto Osho offers online dokusan to students who participate in the in-person zazen session. The format will follow the form of in-person dokusan as closely as possible. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., formal activities begin promptly at 7 p.m. There will be han, lineage chanting, and two periods of zazen with dokusan.
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
2025-12-16 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
2025-12-16 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.

Online: Introduction to Zen Meditation
2025-12-17 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 Caregivers Support Group
2025-12-17 19:00 - 20:30 | Online
Third Wednesday of each Month | 7:00 – 8:30 pm EST
Facilitated by Soren Cathy Shrady and Meigetsu Rebecca Beers
On the third Wednesday of every month, we gather to support one another in the experience of caring for a loved one with dementia or related conditions. Grounded in our lived experience and informed by Buddhist practice and perspectives, we create a compassionate space for sharing that begins with 10 minutes of zazen. This free group is co-facilitated by Meigetsu and Sōren, fellow Zen students engaging with this particular life koan rather than professional therapists.
Learn more about Engaged Buddhism at the Zen Studies Society.
SIGN UP

NYZ: Evening Zazen
2025-12-17 19:00 - 21:00 | New York Zendo, 223 E 67th St, New York, NY, 10065
On 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: Introduction to Zen Meditation
2025-12-18 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: Winter Sutra Collective
2025-12-19 18:30 - 20:30 | 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: "Dust to Light" Watch Party & Tea Ceremony
2025-12-20 14:00 - 16:00 | New York Zendo, 223 E 67th St, New York, NY, 10065
Join us for an afternoon release party of Dust to Light, a short documentary made by Sangha member Enkai Erika Houle. Dust to Light is about what is really going on under the surface when we are cleaning. The film listens as four Zen practitioners reflect on the transformative process of cleaning when it is approached as a meditation rather than burdensome chore.
The film been screened in festivals around the world and will soon be available to the public. This event is the official release party and aligns with the date of the annual cleaning ceremony at Higashi Hongan-ji, the Pureland temple Miki Nakura Sensei is connected to. Enkai filmed this event for the upcoming piece. Locally, this day is also important as the NYC Department of Sanitation was founded on December 20th, 1881.
Inspired by audiences’ responses to the film, Enkai is working on a longer piece about cleaning. A sneak peek will be shown at the conclusion of the screening.
For those who cannot attend in person, an option to join the screening and Q&A via Zoom will be available.
The schedule will be as follows:
1:45 p.m. | Doors Open
2:00 p.m. | Tea Ceremony
3:00 p.m. | Film Screening + Q&A (also available online)
Tickets are $15, please register by purchasing a ticket below. The fee will cover any event expenses with the remainder going to support The Zen Studies Society. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, please email office@newyorkzendo.org or call 212-861-3333 if you need financial support. ZSS Health Protocols apply.
This event is made possible with support from Tea Arts & Culture.

NYZ: Seiza Quiet-sitting & Dharma Talk on Shin Buddhism
2025-12-21 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.

NYZ: Temple Closed
2025-12-22, 2025-12-23, 2025-12-24, 2025-12-25 | 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: Open AA 11th Step Meeting
2025-12-27 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.
