New York Zendo – The Zen Studies Society
New York Zendo – The Zen Studies Society
223 East 67th StreetNew York, NY 10065
212 861 3333
zenstudies.org
Check class schedule on website.
In an effort to bring Zen to the West, the first branch of The Zen Studies Society was established in 1956. New York Zendo was opened in 1968. This temple offers multiple facets of practice including zen meditation, chanting, and Dharma talks, with the mission to awaken all to “inner freedom and true happiness.” The Zendo is one among a limited number of places where authentic Rinzai, one of three main sects of Zen, is practiced.
On a warm June day, as I was strolling past, I spotted a Buddha statue seated outside, surrounded by vibrant flowers and, in its lap, a handful of undisturbed spare change. The wooden door had a bronze plaque beside it with a Japanese inscription of “Shobo-ji” (“True Dharma Temple”), and on opening it I was overcome by the smell of incense, a scent that left me feeling a bit more relaxed throughout the rest of my day.