Learn about the spirit of words and receive your own personal Kotodama calligraphy from Japanese calligrapher, Yoshikatsu Nishiyama.

Kotodama (言魂) is a Japanese spiritual concept referring to the mystical power believed to reside in words – the idea that spoken or written words have spiritual energy that can influence reality.

There are words that resonate with who you are right now.

There are words that guide you toward where you are meant to be.

Such words have the power to shape your life.

In dialogue with you, Yoshi brings out your hidden energy and transforms it into a unique piece of Kotodama Art, a one-of-a-kind calligraphy born just for you. You find more detail about the process in this video.

Each participant receives one Kotodama art work during a 2-hour small group session.

Over the past 21 years, Kotodama Shoka, Yoshikatsu Nishiyama has inspired more than 90,000 people with his works. Now, alongside his appearance at Carnegie Hall, he brings his art to New York. He looks forward to creating these special pieces for everyone he meets here.

The fee for this session is $55, please register using this link. ZSS Health Protocols apply. 

Mindful Breathing & Shitake Tasting | Special Workshop in Collaboration with Resobox

Discover the power of Zen Kokyn (Zen Breathing) and the mindful flavors of Shojin Ryori (traditional plant-based temple cuisine) in this special cultural workshop at New York Zendo. Presented by Resobox, this event includes a guided Zen Breathing practice with Yuki Shiina, a Shojin Ryori tasting featuring Takachiho-grown dried shiitake mushrooms, and insights into Zen and mindful living.

Resobox, in the East Village, is a place where people who are conversant with, dedicated to, and influenced by Japanese culture can gather, create innovative arts through the collaborative process, and disseminate them to the world.

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 necessary. The fee for this workshop is $50, please register by purchasing a ticket below. ZSS Health Protocols apply. 

This Sunday, please join us for zazen and a Dharma Talk given by Hokuto Osho, senior teacher at the Zen Studies Society. After the second period of zazen, there will be 30 minutes of nittensoji (temple cleaning) followed by informal lunch. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.

Hokuto Daniel Diffin Osho has been associated with Zen Studies Society since 1978. He was ordained in 1980, and became a student of Shinge Roshi in 2010. Hokuto Osho was named a Dharma teacher of Zen Studies Society in 2015 and received inka shomei, or Dharma transmission, in 2022. A medical doctor specializing in vascular and interventional radiology, Hokuto Osho has a background in Christian contemplative thought, and a lifelong interest in poetics.

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.