CONTEMPLATIVE CARE RETREAT
our mission
To transform the culture of care throughout the continuum of life with compassion and wisdom through education, Zen practice, and care.
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.

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.
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.
IN PERSON AND ONLINE ZENDO OPEN!
WORKSHOPS, CLASSES AND RETREATS
OUR THREE PILLARS



author - koshin paley ellison
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.
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.
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.”