
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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Daily Schedule
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Featured Retreats, Workshops & Events

Village Zendo Empowers Five New Dharma Teachers
Summer was a season for empowerments at the Village Zendo, with five longtime practitioners receiving Dharma Transmission and some becoming newly entitled to give the Buddhist precepts.

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
Following a council format, the practice and inquiry circle fosters listening and speaking from the heart on a topic set by the leader. A container is thus created to speak one’s own truth and hear someone else’s.
Learn to Meditate
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
The People of Color Sitting Group aims to embody the three tenets by being a sanctuary for People of Color to study, support and discuss how in a system (society) of oppression and racial bias we can create a community where we recognize our interdependence.

Sorting Out Our Stuff
Every Tuesday
The group’s purpose is to support one another in cleaning up and clearing out whatever needs our attention, and whatever it might be. A will? a closet? a file cabinet? a relationship? Let’s handle it, with the knowledge that “time swiftly passes by and opportunity is lost.”
Newcomers' Meeting
Once Thursday a Month
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.

The Village Zendo Has Reopened for In-Person Practice
It is with great joy that we announce that the Village Zendo has re-opened for in-person practice as of Sunday, April 17, 2022. Registration and proof of vaccination are required to attend. Learn more about how to practice with us in person by clicking here.

Bolivian Sitting Group
Every Saturday, 8:00am
You are invited to join Village Zendo’s affiliated Bolivian sangha, Phajjsi Qollut Jalsu Zen Center, every Saturday from 7:00am to 8:00 am. No Spanish-language proficiency required.
Upcoming Dharma Talks
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Aug 18th 5:30pm In-Person and Online Zendo with Dharma Talk by Soten
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Aug 21st 9:30am In-Person and Online Zendo with Dharma Talk by JoAn Hoshi
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Aug 25th 5:30pm In-person and Online Zendo and Dharma Talk by Shinryu Roshi
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Aug 28th 9:30am In-Person and Online Zendo with Dharma Talk by Mukei
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Sep 10th 9:00am Online Zazenkai with Dharma Talk
Recorded Teacher Dharma Talks
Retreat Talk by Enkyo Roshi “Medicine and Sickness”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVBPp9tZ5f8 Podcast Audio
Retreat Talk by Ryotan Roshi “In the Light of Intimacy”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2UOd8uzqUU Podcast Audio
Retreat Talk by Fusho Hoshi “The Pain and the Joy of Inconceivable Freedom”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4mGHOaoSYQ Podcast Audio:
Retreat Talk By Ryoshin “This Mind is Buddha’s Mind”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrV3TjmmFzk Podcast Audio:
Retreat Talk by Gessho “Nobody’s Free Until Everybody’s Free”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc_MPT5wIX4 Podcast Audio:
Recorded Senior Student Dharma Talks
Dharma talk by Kenko, “Move to Heaven”
Podcast Audio
Dharma talk by Kojin, “No Running, No Hiding”
Audio Podcast
Talk by Ryoshin, “Knowing What You Don’t Know”
Podcast Audio
Talk by Mukei, “Juneteenth and the Four Vows”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQZgNl9jhRg Podcast Audio
Talk By HonGo “Take Off the Blinders”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBFnmeXhlRs Podcast Audio:
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.