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

March 27, 2026 by Siobhán Burke

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

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

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.

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. Registration is not required. ZSS Health Protocols apply.

Tagged With: Beginner Friendly, Dharma Talk, Zazen

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

March 27, 2026 by Siobhán Burke

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

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

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.

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. Registration is not required. ZSS Health Protocols apply.

Tagged With: Beginner Friendly, Dharma Talk, Zazen

DBZ: 50th Anniversary Sesshin | Now Wait List Only

November 20, 2025 by Sabrina Plum

Let us gather on Dai Bosatsu mountain and sit with all our might to requite the beneficence of the great founding teachers whose endless vow brought Dai Bosatsu Zendo into being!

Led by Abbot Chigan Roshi and Abbess Emerita Shinge Roshi, this seven-day sesshin commemorates the 50th Anniversary of Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-ji, which opened its doors on July 4, 1976. For more detail, and to see a typical sesshin schedule, please visit the Dai Bosatsu Zendo Sesshin page.

The fee for this sesshin is $550 for nonmembers and $475 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. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, please contact office@daibosatsu.org for support. ZSS Health Protocols apply.

Registration is now closed. Please email office@daibosatsu.org to be placed on the waiting list. Sign up for the ZSS Newsletter to receive information on upcoming events.

Commemmoration Event Registration

A commemoration event for the 50th anniversary will be held on July 4.

Separate registration is required – pre-register for the commemoration event.

Note: Attendees at the 50th anniversary sesshin and their family members will have priority for the limited spaces.

Tagged With: Dharma Talk, Sesshin

NYZ: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend Sesshin

November 20, 2025 by Sabrina Plum

Hokuto Osho will lead this weekend sesshin honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King taught that true justice could only be achieved through love, and that compassion for others was essential for building a more equitable society.

This weekend sesshin will include zazen, choka (morning service), and formal jihatsu meals. Hokuto Osho will offer dokusan (one-on-one interviews) and teisho (Dharma talks). 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.

Tagged With: Dharma Talk, Sesshin

DBZ: Harvest Sesshin

November 20, 2025 by Sabrina Plum

Led by Chigan Roshi, we come together during Harvest Sesshin amid the austere beauty of November on Dai Bosatsu Mountain. As we sit together in deep silence, we experience the profound stillness that inspires us to encounter our true nature.

For more details and the 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.

Tagged With: Dharma Talk, Sesshin

DBZ: Golden Wind Sesshin

November 20, 2025 by Sabrina Plum

A monk asked Ummon, “What will happen when the leaves fall and the trees become bare?”

Ummon said, “Golden wind!”

Join us for a week of silence at Golden Wind Sesshin led by Chigan Roshi. As autumn paints the trees brilliant gold and the wind turns cool and crisp, experience the beauty on Dai Bosatsu Mountain as you clear and refresh your heart and mind. For more details and the typical sesshin schedule, please visit the Dai Bosatsu Zendo Sesshin page.

The fee for this sesshin is $550 for nonmembers and $475 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.

Tagged With: Dharma Talk, Sesshin

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223 Beecher Lake Road
Livingston Manor, NY 12758

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223 East 67th Street
New York, NY 10065


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