Zen Studies Society

NYZ: March-On Weekend Sesshin

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Led by Hokuto Osho, this sesshin commemorates the life and legacy of Soen Nakagawa Roshi. Born in Japan in 1907, Soen Roshi was a revered Zen master who played a pivotal role in introducing Zen Buddhism to the West. Soen Roshi’s unique spirit and style of Zen practice, characterized by his emphasis on direct experience and playful engagement, have profoundly influenced the spiritual paths of countless Zen students.

This weekend sesshin will include zazen, choka (morning service), sarei (formal tea) and formal jihatsu meals. Hokuto Osho will offer dokusan (one-on-one interviews) and teisho (Dharma talk). Full-time participation is encouraged; part-time attendance will be considered as space allows. For more detail and to see a typical sesshin schedule, please visit the NYZ Weekend Sesshin page.

The fee for this sesshin is $175 for nonmembers and $150 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@newyorkzendo.org before registering. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, please contact office@newyorkzendo.org for support. ZSS Health Protocols apply.

NYZ: Parinirvana Weekend Sesshin

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This sesshin honors Shakyamuni Buddha’s final passage into Nirvana, marking the moment of his Parinirvana—the ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It serves as a time for reflection on mortality, impermanence, and the importance of practice. We will also commemorate the passing of Eido Tai Shimano Roshi, founding abbot of Dai Bosatsu Zendo, who left this life on 19 February 2018.

Led by Chigan Roshi, this weekend sesshin will include zazen, choka (morning service), sarei (formal tea), and formal jihatsu meals. Dokusan (one-on-one interviews) and teisho (Dharma talks) will also be offered. Full-time participation is encouraged; part-time attendance will be considered as space allows. For more detail and to see a typical sesshin schedule, please visit the NYZ Weekend Sesshin page.

The fee for this sesshin is $175 for nonmembers and $150 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@newyorkzendo.org before registering. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, please contact office@newyorkzendo.org for support. ZSS Health Protocols apply.

NYZ: Ordinary Mind Sesshin

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Join us for a half-day or full-day sesshin taught by Barry Magid, head teacher of Ordinary Mind Zendo. Ordinary Mind is dedicated to Charlotte Joko Beck’s vision of a psychologically-minded Zen practice adapted to the needs of American students practicing in the context of our everyday lives. Our zendo is committed to the proposition that the Dharma can be fully practiced, realized and transmitted in the midst of lay life.

The day includes a Dharma talk, an opportunity for dokusan (one-on-one interview with the teacher), oryoki lunch, liturgy, and lots of zazen. Please find the daily schedule below. This sesshin is also available via Zoom.

The fee for this sesshin $50 – $100, and is free for Zen Studies Society (ZSS) members. Please consider becoming a ZSS Supporting Member. Reach out directly to gayle.maslow@gmail.com to register. ZSS Health Protocols apply.

Schedule

Morning
9:00 – 9:30    Zazen
9:40 – 9:55    Morning Service
10:00 – 10:25  Zazen
10:30 – 10:55  Dharma Talk
11:00 – 11:25  Zazen
11:30 – 11:55  Zazen
12:00 – 12:25  Zazen

Midday (In-person full-day attendees only)
12:30 – 1:00   Oryoki
1:00 – 1:10    Break
1:10 – 1:40    Work Practice
1:40 – 2:05    Break

Afternoon
2:10 – 2:35    Zazen
2:40 – 3:30    Unstructured Sitting
3:35 – 3:55    Afternoon Service
4:00 – 4:25    Zazen
4:30 – 4:55    Zazen
4:55 – 5:00    Vows & Bows

DBZ: Nyogen Senzaki Sesshin

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Join us for sesshin honoring Nyogen Senzaki, known for his role in introducing Zen Buddhism to the West. Born in Japan in 1876, Senzaki moved to the United States in the early 20th century, where he became one of the first teachers to present Zen to American audiences. His emphasis on the practice of zazen (sitting meditation) and his ability to bridge Eastern and Western philosophies created a legacy which endures today.

Led by Chigan Roshi, this sesshin will explore Senzaki’s teachings and poetry, including works written during his internment in Wyoming during World War II. His words continue to inspire us decades after his passing. For more detail and to see a typical sesshin schedule, please visit the Dai Bosatsu Zendo Sesshin page.

The fee for this sesshin is $500 for nonmembers and $425 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: Winter Sutra Collective

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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: Shakuhachi Concert

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Shakuhachi is a traditional Japanese bamboo flute that is used in Zen Buddhism for Suizen, or “blowing Zen”, the spiritual practice of playing the 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.”

Solo shakuhachi will be played by Marco Karaku Burmester, who has been studying shakuhachi in New York City and Kyoto since 2006. Marco has been playing during standard-length zazen sessions and 5-hour Suizen intensives at New York Zendo Shobo-Ji. As a student of Ronnie Nyogetsu Reishin Seldin, Marco has a longtime connection with Dai Bosatsu Zendo, New York Zendo Shobo-Ji and Zen Center of Syracuse Hoen-ji. His current teacher James Nyoraku Schlefer recently granted him a teaching license and the shakuhachi name Karaku 嘉楽 which means, “one who brings joy and peace through music”.

The concert includes a brief introduction to Suizen and the honkyoku pieces played in this concert. If you are interested in learning how to play the shakuhachi, please join us earlier in the day for the Shakuhachi Workshop.

The fee for this event is $20 for nonmembers and $15 for Zen Studies Society (ZSS) members, please register by purchasing a ticket below. Note that the member price is for ZSS members only – please consider becoming a Supporting Member. ZSS Health Protocols apply.

Locations

Dai Bosatsu Zendo
223 Beecher Lake Road
Livingston Manor, NY 12758

New York Zendo
223 East 67th Street
New York, NY 10065


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Contact Us

Dai Bosatsu Zendo
office@daibosatsu.org
(845) 439-4566

New York Zendo
office@newyorkzendo.org
(212) 861-3333