In this yearly offering, our Guiding Teachers Koshin Sensei and Chodo Sensei lead students of the Zen path through an exploration of each of the different precepts and how they can help us to skillfully navigate relationships and life itself.
Living the Zen Precepts is wisdom in action. Though they may seem daunting, they are the natural expression of a compassionate and awakened heart. The Precepts (as taught by empowered teachers in the Soto Zen tradition) are studied, practiced, and received to support the fullest expression of our lives.
Throughout this ten-month journey, you will:
There are limitless opportunities for learning and engagement with the teachers and the community of students. To give you a sense of what you may explore as a part of the class, we share a two minute example teaching on the Precepts below.
In this video, our Guiding Teachers discuss how we should engage the precepts at varying levels of subtlety. Focusing on the precept of non-stealing, they share how we can allow these guidelines to invigorate, rather than restrain, our lives.
RegisterFinancial Support: New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care endeavors to make our programs accessible. If the cost of this program is prohibitive, please choose the scholarship level. Please note that there are a limited number of scholarship seats available. If the scholarship level is not listed on the registration form, that means it is no longer available.
The Zen Precepts class will meet monthly for a morning of practice and an afternoon of study. The class consists of experiential learning through discussion, as well as small group and dyad conversations.
In between classes, students will engage in reading assignments, writing exercises and discussion forum questions, monthly “buddy” conversations, pre-recorded video teachings on each of the Precepts from Koshin Sensei & Chodo Sensei (Foundations students will be engaging the same video content), and more!
This class is ideal for beginners and advanced students alike. Many students repeat this class to deepen their understanding as the Precepts take root and to become more aware of them in their everyday lives. This course also serves as part of the track to becoming a Formal Zen Student.
Sept 15th | Oct 27th | (No Class Session in Nov) | Dec 22nd | Jan 12th | Feb 9th | Mar 2nd | Apr 13th | May 18th | June 8th | July 13th
This hybrid model class allows students to attend the program remotely (via Zoom) or in person. Please choose which option best suits your needs during registration. There are a limited number of in person spots available.
The course schedule includes participation in NYZC’s Sunday morning community sits (whether virtually or in-person) from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm ET and the Zen Precepts class from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET.
Master’s Level Credit
Register at this level if you need Masters Credit. You will also be required to write a 10-page paper. If you register at any of the audit levels, you can still participate fully in the class and will not be required to submit a 10-page paper.
Certificate in Soto Zen Buddhist Studies
This course is part of our certificate program which you can learn more about here.
Combine Classes for a Weekend of Practice and Study
Our Catch Your Mind: Awakening Through Relationship course is offered (mostly) on the same weekend of each Zen Precepts class. Many students opt to register for both classes and treat each monthly weekend as a semi-retreat and study intensive.
Chodo Robert Campbell Sensei, is a co-founder of the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care Chodo is a dynamic, grounded, and visionary leader and teacher: he has traveled extensively throughout the U.S instructing in various institutions. Sixty-thousand people listen to his podcasts each year. His passion lies in bereavement counseling and advocating for change in the way our healthcare institutions work with the dying.
Sensei Koshin Paley Ellison, MFA, LMSW, DMIN, is an author, Zen teacher, Jungian psychotherapist, and Certified Chaplaincy Educator. After many years as a chaplain and psychotherapist, Koshin co-founded the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care, which offers contemplative approaches to care through education, personal caregiving, and Zen practice. Today, New York Zen Center’s methodologies are internationally recognized—and have touched the lives of tens of thousands of individuals. Koshin is a world renowned thought leader in contemplative care. He is the author of Wholehearted: Slow Down, Help Out, Wake Up (Wisdom Publications, 2019). And the co-editor of Awake at the Bedside: Contemplative Teachings on Palliative and End of Life Care (Wisdom Publications, 2016). His work has been featured in the New York Times, PBS, CBS Sunday Morning, Tricycle among other publications.
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