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.
About Us
Teachers
Daily Schedule
Calendar
Support Us
Featured Retreats, Workshops & Events
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.
Full Service with Liturgy Training
1st and 3rd Wednesday of Every Month
Annual Members' Meeting
Sunday, April 21
Village Zendo members are invited to join us online for our annual members' meeting. The meeting will include a review of our membership, financials, programs and special announcements. There will be time for questions, comments and suggestions.
Village Zendo Bulletin
April 2024
I’ve always wrestled with the Buddhist notions of interdependence and emptiness. As far as I understand it, the fact that everything depends on everything else—that no single thing exists in and of itself (and apart from everything else)... [read more]
Fusatsu Ceremony and Precepts Talk by Shinryu Roshi
Thursday, April 25
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
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.
Zazenkai
Saturday, May 11
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.
A New Ongoing Group: Grace and Grit Support Group
Thursday, May 2
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.
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.
Newcomers' Meeting
Thursday, May 9
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.
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.
Online Practice and Inquiry Circle
1st Sunday of the Month
Upcoming Dharma Talks
-
Apr 21st 9:30am Zazen and Dharma Talk by Gessho
-
Apr 25th 5:30pm Fusatsu Ceremony and Precepts Talk by Shinryu Roshi
-
Apr 28th 9:30am Zazen and Dharma Talk by Fugan Sensei
-
May 11th 8:30am Zazenkai and Dharma Talk
-
Jun 8th 8:30am Zazenkai and Dharma Talk
Recorded Teacher Dharma Talks
Talk by Bokushu Sensei “Watch the Gap”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sN_LHQHU2M
Talk by Daishi Hoshi, “Song of The Empty House”
https://www.youtube.com/embed/1Xu1IRUM4nw?si=NzOljoy0zc4n99M8 Podcast Audio:
Fusatsu Dharma talk by Bokushu Sensei, “Operation: Precepts”
Podcast Audio https://youtu.be/IXMIDbLqljE?si=kq5sdPQv_5YgZoQj
Talk by Enkyo Roshi, “Uji”
https://youtu.be/k68cHLBDK3M?si=4e2GNhsFc8H0E5CM Podcast Audio
Talk by Fusho Hoshi, “Choosing a Different Response”
https://www.youtube.com/embed/mzj7uBuL2p0?si=sU4iPvW37IBGwG4A Podcast Audio:
Recorded Senior Student Dharma Talks
Talk by Yugetsu “Wading into Uji”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32POi7rmojo
Dharma talk by Kimu, “Words and Worries”
Podcast Audio https://youtu.be/yT7E-Fc_ugw?si=yeNxiseJDO_HFz-W
Talk by Soten “Legacies of Susan Ryoko Wetsel”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JdnYwk_o50
Talk by Jiryu, “Bodhisattvas Always Smile”
https://www.youtube.com/embed/gE7E_reF8YU?si=blGZ7axkZHRY-Ex4 Podcast Audio:
Talk by Kenko “How Seemingly Senseless Acts Make Life Worth Living”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KL7WRCTaV3Y
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.