Zen Studies Society

NYZ: Seiza Quiet-sitting & Dharma Talk on Shin Buddhism

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Join us for seiza meditation at New York Zendo Shobo-ji, led by Miki Nakura. Seiza (quiet sitting) was established by Okada Torajiro Sensei 110 years ago in Japan. The sitting form is the traditional Japanese kneeling position, but we can also practice seiza sitting on a chair.

In seiza, we learn how to find the most physically balanced posture, in accordance with gravity, following correct breathing and allowing the flow of full energy into the lower belly (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.

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. ZSS Health Protocols apply.

Noh Chant and Dance Workshop for Beginners

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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: Day of Zen

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For newcomers and experienced practitioners alike, the Day of Zen at New York Zendo Shobo-ji is an opportunity to discover or reacquaint yourself with the essentials of Rinzai Zen Buddhist practice. This one-day session will include an introduction to zazen (seated meditation with attention to breath and posture), choka (morning chanting service), and samu (work practice). Participants will also learn how to use jihatsu (nested meal bowls) in a formal silent lunch. The afternoon will conclude with a Dharma talk by a resident teacher, followed by informal tea and a Q&A period.

The fee for the day is $40 for Supporting Members and $50 for nonmembers. Please consider becoming a Supporting Member of ZSS.  If you are a current Sangha member and would like to volunteer for the day in exchange for admission; please contact office@newyorkzendo.org.  ZSS Health Protocols apply.

 

Typical schedule (subject to change):

9:00 Doors open, check in
9:30 Welcome, orientation, chanting instruction
10:00 Choka (morning chanting service), short break
11:00 Instruction on zazen (seated meditation) and kinhin (walking meditation)
Noon Zazen, kinhin, zazen
1:00 Jihastu lunch with instruction
2:00 Nittensoji (cleaning), short break
2:50 Shinrei (warning bell)
3:00 Dharma talk
3:30 Zazen
4:00 Closing, tea, informal Q&A
5:00 Departure

 

NYZ: Day of Zen

by

For newcomers and experienced practitioners alike, the Day of Zen at New York Zendo Shobo-ji is an opportunity to discover or reacquaint yourself with the essentials of Rinzai Zen Buddhist practice. This one-day session will include an introduction to zazen (seated meditation with attention to breath and posture); choka (morning chanting service); and samu (work practice). Participants will also learn how to use jihatsu (nested meal bowls) in a formal silent lunch. The afternoon will conclude with a Dharma talk by a resident teacher, followed by informal tea and a Q&A period.

This is the tentative schedule of the day’s activities

9 a.m.            Doors open, check in
9:30 a.m.       Welcome, overview of the day,  chanting instruction
10 a.m.          Morning chanting service (choka); short break
11 a.m.          Instruction on zazen (sitting meditation) and kinhin (walking meditation)
Noon             Zazen, kinhin, zazen
1 p.m.           Jihatsu lunch with instruction
2 p.m.           Nittensoji (cleaning), including lunch clean-up; short break
2:50 p.m.      Shinrei (warning bell)
3 p.m.           Dharma talk
3:30 p.m.      Zazen
4 p.m.           Closing,  informal Q&A, tea and conversation
5 p.m.           Departure

The fee for the day is $40 for Supporting Members and $50 for nonmembers. Please consider becoming a Supporting Member of ZSS.  If you are a current sangha member and can volunteer to assist for the day the fee will be waived; please contact office@newyorkzendo.org.  ZSS Health Protocols apply.

NYZ: Zazenkai with Matsubara Osho

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Imagine sitting quietly in meditation. Pause, reset, and recharge yourself. You are in complete control of your emotions and the stress from your busy lifestyle. You are experiencing a state of quiet, relaxing, body-mind equilibrium. This is a time to calmly face yourself.

Zazenkai is a monthly meeting that offers a talk, Zen meditation, tea (hoji-cha) and sweets, and a Q&A. 30 seats are available. The fee is $30 per person. No experience is required.  The instructor is Rev. Dr. Masaki Matsubara, Rinzai Zen priest and Visiting Lecturer of Contemplative Studies, Brown University.  Please email  mmatsubara@outlook.com to register.  ZSS Health Protocols  apply.

DBZ: Intro to Zen Weekend

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This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Rinzai Zen Buddhist practice deep in the Catskill Mountains in a traditional Japanese-style monastery. Led by teachers and senior students from the Zen Studies Society, Introduction to Zen focuses intensively on the three essentials of Zen Buddhist practice — zazen (seated meditation with attention to posture and breath), chanting, and samu (work practice). You will also learn how to use jihatsu (traditional nesting bowls) in formal meals and to eat attentively in silence.  The weekend will include a Dharma Talk and a question-and-answer period, concluding with an informal lunch and group discussion on Sunday.

The fee is $225 for members and $250 for nonmembers.  Note that the Member price is for Members only – please consider becoming a Supporting Member of ZSS. If you have any questions, please email office@daibosatsu.org before registering.  No one will be turned away for lack of funds; please contact office@daibosatsu.org for support. 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