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

Are you new to the Village Zendo?

Welcome to our community – we’re delighted to practice with you! We’ve created several events that should be of particular interest to you – please check out these programs, ask us questions and tell us what you think!

Online

Learn to Meditate

Every Monday via Zoom
6:30pm Eastern Time

If you’re new to Zen meditation or curious to learn more about Zen practice, join us any Monday evening a few minutes before 6:30pm – no reservation necessary. 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 you to ask questions.

Online & In Person

Newcomers’ Meeting

Second Thursday of Each Month
6:40pm (Following the Dharma talk and chanting service)

Are you new to the Village Zendo community? Would you like to get to know some of the teachers, meet other community members and ask questions informally? If so, please join us for this open conversation where a wide range of practice-related topics is addressed. No reservation is needed, though we encourage you to attend the Dharma talk and service that precede this meeting.

Online & In Person

Newcomers’ Meeting

Second Thursday of Each Month
6:40pm (Following the Dharma talk and chanting service)

Are you new to the Village Zendo community? Would you like to get to know some of the teachers, meet other community members and ask questions informally? If so, please join us for this open conversation where a wide range of practice-related topics is addressed. No reservation is needed, though we encourage you to attend the Dharma talk and service that precede this meeting.

In Person

Body, Breath, and Mind: An Introduction to Zen

First Sunday of Every Month
9:30am – 11:00am

Village Zendo Executive Director Howard Thoreson introduces Zen meditation and explains other aspects of practice at VZ. Sitting posture, sustaining a meditation practice and walking meditation (kinhin) are discussed, and short periods of meditation are also included here. Emphasis is placed on finding ease in practice, on the significance of practicing with a community and on working with the Village Zendo teachers. There will be ample opportunity for Q & A.

“When we practice zazen, our mind always follows our breathing. When we inhale, air comes into the inner world. When we exhale, air goes out to the outer world. The inner world is limitless, and the outer world is limitless. We say ‘inner world’ or ‘outer world,’ but actually there is just one whole world. In this limitless world, our throat is like a swinging door. The air comes in and goes out, like someone passing through a swinging door.”

Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind

“The Village Zendo has made a profound difference in my life and the lives of many others. It is a welcoming group that balances serious practice with great joy and fun. Come to learn to meditate, stay to change your life.”

— Jennifer

“Profound authentic Zen practice in a welcoming environment. Great experienced teachers and senior students. Beautiful quiet meditation daily. On Sunday’s and Thursday evening there are interesting contemporary Dharma talks. Beginning instruction is every Monday evening. The are cool events, workshops and activities that support a lively community.”

— Rodney

“My spiritual home for 30 years and I’m still amazed at the depth, warmth, intelligence and creativity of teachers and students alike. And more teachers per capita probably than any sangha around!”

— Neil

“Similar to other reviewers, I live quite a distance from the Village Zendo. I, nonetheless, am a member and formal student of VZ. I find the community welcoming, vibrant, diverse and deeply intentional. Led by Enkyo Roshi, our teachers are engaged, astute, open, available… true mentors and practice leaders. VZ retreats and programs are powerful, challenging, transformative. I am so grateful for and to this sangha! Belonging to the VZ community is well-worth the logistics of my living at a distance.”

— Marjorie

Recorded Teacher Dharma Talks

Recorded Senior Student Dharma Talks

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