New York Zendo is open for zazen from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. Tuesday through Friday. On Tuesday evenings, doors open at 6:30 p.m. We have 40 minutes of zazen, followed by a tai chi class on the 2nd floor. Our evening sittings run from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. Thursdays, from 6:45 to 9 p.m. we offer Introduction to Zen Meditation, with an orientation and shorter meditation periods. Those who have never sat with us before, even those experienced in zazen or other forms of meditation, should first attend a Thursday evening class. If scheduling conflicts do not permit attendance Thursday evening, other arrangements can be made by calling the office.
On Sundays, doors open at 9:30 a.m. We hold our morning chanting service (choka) at 10 a.m., followed by walking meditation (kinhin) and zazen. After zazen, there will be 30 minutes of temple cleaning (nittensoji), followed by tea and informal discussion.
You must provide proof of full vaccination at the door. When you arrive at the temple, you will be asked to show your vaccination card, or a photo of it, or present your New York State Excelsior Pass. Wearing a mask or other face covering is optional. If you have any cold or flu symptoms, please do not come to the temple. Please see the ZSS Covid Protocols for full details.
For nonmembers, a suggested donation of $10 for each sitting you attend would be greatly appreciated.
In addition to the weekly schedule, all-day sittings, Dharma talks by guest teachers and New York Zendo members, classes, special events, and ceremonies are offered regularly throughout the year.
We welcome you to become a member of New York Zendo/the Zen Studies Society. Membership is open to anyone who shows a sincere intention to participate in the Sangha (community). To find out more click here.
Please click here for a complete calendar of New York Zendo’s public events.
The weekly schedule is listed below.
| Day | Doors Open | Program |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6:30 a.m. | 6:45-7:45 a.m. – Short Morning Service & Zazen |
| 6:30 p.m. | 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Zazen & Tai Chi | |
| Wednesday | 6:30 a.m. | 6:45-7:45 a.m. – Short Morning Service & Zazen |
| 6:30 p.m. | 7-9 p.m. – Chanting & Zazen | |
| Thursday | 6:30 a.m. | 6:45-7:45 a.m. – Short Morning Service & Zazen |
| 6:15 p.m. | 6:45-9 p.m. – Introduction to Zen Meditation, zazen, tea, and discussion | |
| Friday | 6:30 a.m. | 6:45-7:45 a.m. – Short Morning Service & Zazen |
| 6:30 p.m. | 7-9 p.m. – Zazen | |
| Sunday | 9:30 a.m. | 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Full Morning Service (Choka), zazen, temple cleaning, and informal discussion with tea |
Mandala day
During World War II, separated by geographical and political gulfs, two of our esteemed Dharma ancestors, Soen Nakagawa Roshi and Ven. Nyogen Senzaki, exchanged Dharma greetings each month. These great teachers shared in chanting, zazen, and prostrations across the Pacific Ocean.
We continue this Mandala Day tradition each month. This special chanting ceremony commemorates and pays homage to the predecessors in our lineage and all related teachers, sanghas, known and unknown, who helped to further the Buddha-Dharma.
Mandala Day is celebrated at New York Zendo’s Sunday morning service closest to the 21st of each month. Please bring tabi or white socks to the zendo for Mandala Day, or borrow tabi or socks from the temple.