The Village Zendo is a Zen community in the heart of downtown New York City. Serving as a sanctuary in busy Manhattan, we offer daily meditation, dharma talks, Buddhist services, retreats, workshops and study groups. Participation is open to all.
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Featured Retreats, Workshops & Events
June Bulletin
I appreciate how in Zen, and in life, there are no real rules. It can snow in June, up can be down, a whole buffalo can pass through a window (well, except for its tail). The answer to almost everything is yes and no... [read more]
A New Ongoing Group: Grace and Grit Support Group
Thursday, June 6
We will create a safe space where we all can discuss issues around aging. The group will be present for whatever comes up, actively listening and emotionally supporting all who speak. Please join us to explore these important issues we all may face, no matter our current age.
Zazenkai with Dharma Talk by Joren
Saturday, June 8
We invite you to participate in Village Zendo’s zazenkai, a half-day retreat that will be held both online and in person. It will include ample periods of meditation, service, a Dharma talk, and conclude with open sozan.
The Heart and Wisdom of Compassion
July 20 — August 4
Explore the heart of wisdom and compassion at two back-to back summer sesshins—July 20 through August 4th at Wisdom House in Litchfield, Connecticut. You may join us for part of a week, a whole week, or both weeks.
Newcomers' Meeting
Thursday, June 13
Are you new to the Village Zendo online community? Would you like to get to know some of the teachers, meet other community members and ask questions informally? If so, please consider joining us for an open conversation on the second Thursday evening of every month.
Daily Gathas: Verse of the Kesa
Saturday, June 15
This is the second of a series of workshops on Daily Gathas: verses we chant daily at the Village Zendo and on retreats. The workshop will be led by Senior Student Volker Kenko Ecke.
Learn to Meditate (Online)
Every Monday, 6:30pm
For those new to Zen meditation or who have not practiced meditation in a zendo before. Recommendations for a comfortable, stable sitting posture are given, as well as guidance on how to begin a meditation practice and do walking meditation. There will be ample opportunity for Q & A.
People of Color Sitting Group
Every Saturday, 10:30am
Fusatsu Ceremony and Precepts Talk by Myoko Roshi
Thursday, June 27
Body, Breath, and Mind: An Introduction to Zen
1st Sunday of the Month
Join us in person at the Village Zendo with Howard Thoresen, who will introduce Zen meditation and the other aspects of Village Zendo practice. There will be ample opportunity for Q & A.
Online Practice and Inquiry Circle
1st Sunday of the Month
Music Improv
Sunday, May 5
How do you translate Beginner’s Mind into sound? Easy. By listening. Harmonizing. Allowing space. We are all musicians whether we practice an instrument or not. This is a musical jam that welcomes all, from beginners to professionals.
Path of Expression
Part Two Begins September 22
This year’s Path class, the Path of Expression, will be led by Fusho Hoshi and senior student Gessho, and will explore two of the traditional Zen arts: poetry and flower arranging, and will combine council-style dialogues and exercises with expressive practice with words and flowers.
Upcoming Dharma Talks
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Jun 6th 5:30pm Zazen and Dharma Talk by Tokuyu Sensei
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Jun 8th 8:30am Zazenkai and Dharma Talk by Joren
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Jun 9th 9:30am Zazen and Dharma Talk by Daishi Hoshi
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Jun 13th 5:30pm Zazen and Dharma Talk by Fusho Sensei
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Jun 20th 5:30pm Zazen and Dharma Talk by Ryotan Roshi
Recorded Teacher Dharma Talks
Talk by Jo An Sensei, “Becoming a Bottomless Vessel”
https://www.youtube.com/embed/I_TsL-CXeCY?si=v47KyeNPtjFABqyo Podcast Audio:
Dharma talk by Musho Hoshi, “Which Enlightenment Is the Best?”
Podcast Audio https://youtu.be/liC5KjfKZiw?si=rpPibk2SJWARol3e
Dharma talk by Enkyo Roshi, “Pick Up the Sack!”
Podcast Audio https://youtu.be/vtxB3vEug8o?si=nudDguZVfFSdXT7R
Talk by Shinryu Roshi “Settling Your Debts”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhyyPIxOV8o
Talk by Ryoshin Hoshi “Taking Care of Our Mind”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BWm7ed4L94
Recorded Senior Student Dharma Talks
Talk by Mukei, “Transitions: Say and Do the Right Thing”
https://www.youtube.com/embed/0ofXzYbYYXg?si=ZLW5JFHdwUnmT5kR Podcast Audio:
Talk by Gessho “Recommending Poem for All People”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os3JMbuWunw Podcast audio:
Talk by Gessho, “Poems Speaking to One Another”
https://www.youtube.com/embed/o7X3ef3FzJY?si=wfN3PxXaK2_TXX7l Podcast Audio:
Talk by Mukei “Finding Peace in the Flux of Life”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TzzJs8guv8
Talk by Yugetsu “Wading into Uji”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32POi7rmojo
In the light of recent information regarding the COVID-19 delta variant and the CDC revised guidelines issued July 27, 2021, and having consulted with medical professionals in our community, the Village Zendo Executive Committee has concluded that it is prudent for the Village Zendo to return to our online only schedule, effective immediately. The dedication to practice and community demonstrated over the past many months gives us confidence that our sangha can meet this challenge and grow ever stronger. We will continue to monitor the situation and look forward to a full reopening at our new location at 260 West Broadway in January, 2022.