Zen Studies Society

NYZ: Tao Te Ching Summer Calligraphy Workshop
2024-08-02 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | New York Zendo, 223 E 67th St, New York, NY, 10065
June 7 – Aug 2, 2024 (No class on 7/5)
Join Ines Sun for an eight-week calligraphy course based on Lao-Tzu’s Tao Te Ching. The evening will begin with tea in silence. After tea, each week we will focus on calligraphy characters related to a single chapter of the Tao Te Ching. As we read and write the text together, we will gain a deeper insight into the meaning by connecting with some of the original characters. This course is designed as a series, but each individual class may be taken separately.
The Tao Te Ching summer calligraphy workshop will use the Thomas Cleary translation with commentary from a 17th century Rinzai Zen Master, Takuan Soho and The Wisdom of Laotse by Li YuTang, a renowned 20th Century writer with an intellectual and spiritual approach.
You may wish to obtain your own copy, though there will be one available to read together at the workshop. All calligraphy supplies will be provided. Prior experience is helpful, but not required. ZSS Health Protocols apply.
About Ines Sun
Ines Sun learned calligraphy as a child and found a deep connection with the art as an adult. Her aim is to help others find joy and profound peace in this ancient art. Calligraphy has also served as a means for her to unite her spiritual practice with the physical form of the brush. In addition to offering basic and advanced instruction, she offers calligraphy workshops in sutra writing.
Cost:
$40 single class
$300 8-week series
Date and Time:
Fridays 6:30-8:30pm
6/7/24 – 8/2/24
No class will be offered on 7/5
Please register at www.inessun.com.

NYZ: Election Night Vigil
2024-11-05 21:00 - 2024-11-06 06:00
Join us on Election Night for an all-night vigil of unstructured zazen and share your metta (loving-kindness) with a troubled world.
Zuiza (unstructured zazen) will begin at approximately 9 p.m., following the close of our usual Tuesday evening Tai Chi class. Sit as long as you like. Those who wish to take a break for a bit of sleep may help themselves to a futon in the Dharma Hall.
No registration necessary. Donations welcome.

Noh Chant and Dance Workshop for Beginners
2024-11-10 14:00 - 15:15
Move your heart, Illuminate your inner self
Noh, the traditional Japanese performance art, evolved into a distinguished stage form during medieval Japan in the 14th and 15th centuries. It crystallized the essence of Japanese art and aesthetics, reflecting religious concepts and perspectives on life and death. On the surface, a Noh performance may appear abstract; however its expression can be described as a form of movement of the human heart.
In this Noh workshop for beginners, you will learn Utai (Noh chant) and Shimai (Noh dance). By chanting Utai and using deep abdominal breathing along with your imagination, you will activate your inner energy and transform your feelings into the lyrics of Noh. Through the Noh dance experience, you will reconnect with the natural sensations of your body, lower your center of gravity, and learn Kata (fundamental movements) and Suriashi (sliding step technique).
As the season moves toward winter, this is an opportunity to turn your outward energy inward, illuminate your inner self, and engage in self-reflection through the Noh experience.
About the instructor: Mayo Miwa (三輪万葉) started studying Noh at 14 years old. She majored in Noh at Tokyo University of the Arts and trained at the Kanze School in Japan. Since relocating to New York, she has collaborated with artists across various media to adapt Noh for contemporary forms and to explore the physicality of traditional Noh theater. As the Vice President of the non-profit Noh Society, Mayo actively facilitates educational programs in Noh, Kyogen, and Bunraku, working with actors from Japan in New York and beyond.
Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Socks or tabi are required. ZSS Health Protocols apply.

The fee for this workshop is $30 for nonmembers, $25 for members, and $20 for students. Note that the Member price is for Members only – please consider becoming a Supporting Member of ZSS. To register please email info@miwamayo.com.

NYZ: Evening Zazen
2025-01-01 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-01-08 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-01-15 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-01-22 19:00 - 21:00
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: Morning Zazen
2025-01-02 06:45 - 07:45, 2025-01-06 06:45 - 07:45, 2025-01-07 06:45 - 07:45, 2025-01-08 06:45 - 07:45, 2025-01-09 06:45 - 07:45, 2025-01-13 06:45 - 07:45, 2025-01-14 06:45 - 07:45, 2025-01-15 06:45 - 07:45 and 3 more dates
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.

NYZ: Introduction to Zen Meditation
2025-01-02 18:45 - 21:00, 2025-01-09 18:45 - 21:00
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 by purchasing a ticket below. ZSS Health Protocols apply. If you have questions, please email office@newyorkzendo.org or call 212-861-3333 before registering.
You are also welcome to join our online Introduction to Zen Meditation.

NYZ: Open AA 11th Step Meeting
2025-01-04 11:00 - 12:45, 2025-01-11 11:00 - 12:45
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: Sunday Morning Service and Zazen
2025-01-05 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-01-12 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-01-26 10:00 - 13:00
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: Zazen and Tai Chi
2025-01-07 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-01-14 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-01-21 19:00 - 21:00
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: Seiza Quiet-sitting & Dharma Talk on Shin Buddhism
2025-01-11 14:00 - 16:00
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: Tea with the Abbot
2025-01-20 10:00 - 12:00
Chigan Roshi invites members of the New York Zendo Sangha to join him for informal tea and light snacks in the NYZ Dharma Hall on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Please join us for a lighthearted reception to start the new year. All are welcome!
No registration necessary, donations are welcome. ZSS Health Protocols apply.
