Aiho Yasuko Shimano
March 5, 1935 – July 7, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Aiho Yasuko Shimano, former Director of New York Zendo Shobo-ji for two decades and spouse of founding Abbot, Eido Shimano Roshi. Her dedication and whole-hearted devotion to the Dharma and the Zen Studies Society never wavered. Her encouragement and energy spurred us on to create and maintain the strong practice we have now, and we are ever grateful for her wisdom and presence.

Please join us at New York Zendo Shobo-ji to remember Aiho-san on Sunday, August 3, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. Following the memorial service in the zendo, there will be an informal reception in the Dharma Hall with light refreshments. Flowers, food, or monetary contributions are welcome. Every offering is deeply appreciated.

No registration necessary, all are welcome. ZSS Health Protocols apply. Aiho-san’s final resting place will be in Sangha Meadow at Dai Bosatsu Zendo. Details for the funeral service and interment will be announced when a date has been confirmed. 

Do you add honey to your green tea because it’s bitter? Wondering what to do about that bland, lukewarm sarei sencha? Would you like to prepare any type of tea with more confidence?

The training of every tea student begins with boiling water. In this class, sangha member Enkai will lead a practical workshop on how to boil water without relying on thermometers or timers.

Join us for a fun afternoon of experimentation and practice, including meditating to a boiling kettle and learning how to make tea for sarei.

The fee for this workshop is $15, please purchase a ticket below. ZSS Health Protocols apply.

Please join us at New York Zendo as we gather to honor and celebrate our departed loved ones. For our Segaki Service, we will collectively create an altar with photos, ihai (memorial tablets), and mementos of our deceased family and friends.

We will then share a period of silent meditation before beginning our chanting service. Each participant will have the opportunity to offer incense and to include the names of their dearly departed in our dedication. After our chanting service, there will be a short period of nittensoji (temple cleaning) before we gather in the Dharma Hall for an informal lunch.

Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Registration is not required. Contributions in the form of monetary offerings, food, sweets, beverages, or flowers are very welcome. ZSS Health Protocols apply.

This event will also be broadcast online using the regular online zazen link. Please submit the names of any departed you would like honored to office@newyorkzendo.org.