our mission

To transform the culture of care throughout the continuum of life with compassion and wisdom through education, Zen practice, and care.

 

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CONTEMPLATIVE MEDICINE FELLOWSHIP

For physicians and nurse practitioners who want to lead change in the culture
of care.

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FOUNDATIONS IN CONTEMPLATIVE CARE

A training program in spiritual carepartnership

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Grounded in the dharma.
Devoted to contemplative care.

We are a Dharma organization committed to transforming people’s lives through Zen practice, contemplative caregiving and learning.

About us

PRACTICE WITH US — IN PERSON & ONLINE

We offer daily online sitting at 12:30 pm ET and both online and in-person practice on Monday, Wednesday evenings, and Sunday mornings. All levels are welcome. Join us for practice and study.

 

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Learn the fundamentals of zen practice

Our new eight-video course, led by Koshin Sensei, offers a comprehensive overview of all aspects of Zen study and practice.

 

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Foundations in Contemplative Care

Our transformative nine-month training program is currently accepting applications for 2022-2023.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS

Full-tuition scholarships are available to BIPOC students, and partial tuition scholarships for those with financial need. 

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IN PERSON AND ONLINE ZENDO OPEN!

 
We offer daily online sitting at midday and hybrid practice on Monday and Wednesday evenings and Sundays mornings ET. Let’s study and practice together. 
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WORKSHOPS, CLASSES AND RETREATS

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JANUARY HALF-DAY RETREAT 2025
Silently engaging in sitting and walking meditation, hearing a dharma talk, and connecting with community are wonderful ways to spend a Saturday morning.
Saturday, January 18th, 2025 | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm ET
Beginner’s Mind Sesshin: A Winter Silent Retreat of Wholehearted Practice at the Garrison Institute
Start the new year in community with us for Winter Sesshin at The Garrison Institute. Sesshin provides an extraordinary opportunity to slow down, enjoy a...
January 22nd – January 26th, 2025
Commit to Sit: The Path Illuminated | Winter 2025
Through weekly online dharma talks, daily video teachings, private group discussions, daily meditation opportunities, and more, we will allow our practice to strip away the...
90 DAYS OF PRACTICE | JANUARY 22ND – APRIL 21ST, 2025
Contemplative Medicine Fellowship Info Session
Join us for this free, online information session about the Contemplative Medicine Fellowship — a twelve-month training for physicians, advanced practice registered nurses (NP &...
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29TH, 2025 | 1:00PM – 2:00 PM ET
Zen Studies: Dogen's Teachings for Everyday Life | January 2024
Zen Studies is a lively discussion-based close reading of Dogen’s timeless teachings, utilizing a revitalized translation that breathes new life into the classic Soto Zen...
Wednesdays, January 29th – May 14th, 2025 | 4:15 pm – 7:15 pm ET
Online Bereavement Group: A Contemplative Approach to Grief and Loss | Tuesdays
This group meets once a week on Tuesdays. Sharing your experience with others who are also grieving can be of tremendous support.
TUESDAYS, FEBRUARY 4TH – MARCH 25TH, 2025 | 6:30 – 8:00 PM ET
Online Bereavement Group: A Contemplative Approach to Grief and Loss | Wednesdays
This group meets once a week on Tuesdays. Sharing your experience with others who are also grieving can be of tremendous support.
WEDNESDAYS, FEBRUARY 5TH – MARCH 26TH, 2025 | 3:30 – 5:00 PM ET
FEBRUARY HALF-DAY RETREAT 2025
Silently engaging in sitting and walking meditation, hearing a dharma talk, and connecting with community are wonderful ways to spend a Saturday morning.
Saturday, February 8th, 2025 | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm ET
Foundations in Contemplative Care ~ Online Information Session
Join us for this free, online information session about the Foundations in Contemplative Care program — a nine-month training program in spiritual caregiving — now...
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH, 2025 | 6:30 – 7:30 PM ET
ZEN SHABBAT // FEBRUARY 2025
Lab/Shul and NYZC invite you to a shared experience of sacred space and time, harmonizing Jewish and Zen traditions in the celebration of Sabbath spirit.
Friday, February 28th, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM ET
MARCH HALF-DAY RETREAT 2025
Silently engaging in sitting and walking meditation, hearing a dharma talk, and connecting with community are wonderful ways to spend a Saturday morning.
Saturday, March 1st, 2025 | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm ET
Make Meaning Workshop: Moving from Loss to Found
Join Alexandra Vassilaros for a 4-week journey in writing and compassionate community building, offering tools for continued emotional health and balance.
WEDNESDAYS, MARCH 12TH – APRIL 9TH, 2025 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM ET
APRIL HALF-DAY RETREAT 2025
Silently engaging in sitting and walking meditation, hearing a dharma talk, and connecting with community are wonderful ways to spend a Saturday morning.
Saturday, April 19th, 2025 | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm ET
Monday Evening Meditation and Dharma Talk with Genyu Kojima Roshi
Join us on Monday, December 2nd for a community gathering, meditation, and dharma talk by guest teacher, Genyu Kojima Roshi.
Monday, April 28th, 2025 | 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm ET
ZEN SHABBAT // MAY 2025
Lab/Shul and NYZC invite you to a shared experience of sacred space and time, harmonizing Jewish and Zen traditions in the celebration of Sabbath spirit.
Friday, May 9th, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM ET
MAY HALF-DAY RETREAT 2025
Silently engaging in sitting and walking meditation, hearing a dharma talk, and connecting with community are wonderful ways to spend a Saturday morning.
Saturday, May 10th, 2025 | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm ET
JUNE HALF-DAY RETREAT 2025
Silently engaging in sitting and walking meditation, hearing a dharma talk, and connecting with community are wonderful ways to spend a Saturday morning.
Saturday, June 7th, 2025 | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm ET
JULY HALF-DAY RETREAT 2025
Silently engaging in sitting and walking meditation, hearing a dharma talk, and connecting with community are wonderful ways to spend a Saturday morning.
Saturday, July 12th, 2025 | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm ET
Contemplative Medicine Fellowship 2025-2026
New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care's twelve month training for physicians, nurse practitioners and physicians assistants who want to transform their role as clinicians...
Commencing July 26th, 2025
Wholehearted Sesshin: Summer Silent Retreat at Garrison Institute
Join us for an eight-day intensive retreat focusing on rediscovering our values and living life to the fullest held at the Garrison Institute in Garrison,...
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30TH - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6TH, 2025
Foundations in Contemplative Care 2025–2026
Foundations in Contemplative Care is a comprehensive course of study providing an introduction to care from a Zen Buddhist perspective. Created by NYZC co-founders, Sensei Chodo Robert...
Commencing September 5th, 2025

OUR THREE PILLARS

care
Transforming care through contemplative practice
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education
Bring connection and care into your life, in a very real way
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zen practice
How to approach it, embrace it, and integrate it.
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author - koshin paley ellison

Untangled: Walking the Eightfold Path to Clarity, Courage, and Compassion

A welcoming guidebook to finding expansive ease and true joy through what is traditionally called the Eightfold Path.

 

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Awake at the Bedside: Contemplative Teachings on Palliative and End of Life Care

Thought leaders in the field of contemplative caregiving offer resilience, wisdom, and support for those who keep watch at the bedside.

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Wholehearted: Slow Down, Help Out, Wake Up

An inspiring book that will help readers rediscover their values and discover a way to truly live life to the fullest.

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JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

The New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care offers guidance for people interested in beginning meditation or continuing in their existing practice; we train people from all walks of life— including medical professionals, parents, lawyers, artist and bankers—in compassionate caregiving; we support people and their loved ones through serious illness and death, and assists family and friends during their grieving process. We also celebrate and honor many of life’s meaningful moments.

“As a clinician, I know that NYZC’s contemplative training is the cutting edge of healthcare. It is critically important that those who work with the seriously ill receive training on how to recognize and be with suffering. I know of no other organization that  does so much to make this a reality.”

DR. JAY HORTON

Director, Palliative Care Consult Service Department of Geriatrics And Palliative Medicine Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

“There is that feeling of community, even with people that I haven’t even met yet. The fact that we come with an intention to sit and pay attention. I love that.”

DOSHIN

“I love and support NYZC because it is such a clear statement of the power and primacy of human connection in the healing process. Contemplative care is about developing the inner discipline to be fully present with those we are trying to serve. Our patients know when we are there and when we are just going through the motions. I cannot think of anything our healthcare system needs more.”

Diane E. Meier, MD, FACP, FAAHPM

Director Emerita and Strategic Medical Advisor, Center to Advance Palliative Care; Professor, Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City

“Meditation provides my hectic life with a giant PAUSE button. The guided meditation at the outset of every meeting is always a profoundly grounding experience – one that allows me to gently let go of my preoccupations, judgments, unskillful behaviors, and fears.”

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your support
means everything
to us

Generous donations in support of our efforts to transform spiritual care are the lifeblood of our organization.
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