Zen practice is about getting in touch with your own values
As we find our way through uncertain times, we hope you are receiving some comfort in our meditations, podcasts and dharma talks. We certainly feel held by being together and sharing our practice with you.
Becoming a Formal
Zen Student
Practicing under the guidance of a teacher has been the traditional path for seekers of the Way since the beginning of Zen, in China, more than 1,500 years ago. This teacher-student relationship is one of the key aspects of a Zen meditation practice.
If you wish to make an ongoing commitment to Zen training and enter into a teacher/student relationship with either Sensei Koshin Paley Ellison or Sensei Chodo Robert Campbell, scroll down to learn more about becoming a Formal Zen student.
Zen Student FAQ
Entering into the teacher/student relationship is a serious commitment and should be given careful consideration and discernment. The student-teacher relationship is an entrustment through the Sōtō Zen lineage to maintain the forms, the rituals, and the Three Treasures for generations to come.
Deep personal reflection is essential.
The teacher/student relationship at the Zen Center is a spiritual friend model. Spiritual friendship is the practice itself; we give and we receive. It is an intimate relationship that can last a lifetime.
Be an active participant in the day to day life of our community.
Attend Monday, Wednesday and/or Sunday morning practice regularly for a year. Six half-day Zazenkai (meditation retreats) are also required.
Attend an in person four day or week-long intensive silent meditation retreat (sesshin).
Step into a service position (examples include supporting practice at the center by learning Zen forms, caretaking the physical space, Zoom monitoring and assisting with weekly sits or classes).
Meet with Koshin Sensei or Chodo Sensei in dokusan (a private face to face meeting) and request to formally become a student and enter into a formal training relationship. After establishing a regular practice with NYZC and completing six Zazenkai, you may reach out to wade@zencare.org to request dokusan.
After Koshin Sensei or Chodo Sensei acknowledge and accept your desire to become a formal student and before you sit Tangaryo, become a $108 or $216 monthly supporter of the Zen Center as a formal student. Student dues cover 18% of the New York Zen Center’s expenses in offering our Sōtō Zen practice, including daily sits, dharma talks, monthly retreats, and sesshin. We deeply appreciate all support for our shared practice.
Sit Tangaryo (a day long Zazen) and participate in the student initiation ceremonies that follow. Tangaryo is offered once a year.
Both local and nonlocal students are invited to study with us.
- Attend weekly practice with the sangha.
- Attend at least one Sesshin (silent meditation retreat) each year.
- Learn the Zen forms and liturgy of the Zen Center.
- Attend at least six half-day Zazenkai retreats each year.
- Regular dokusan (one-on-one meetings with a guiding teacher).
- Engage in class offerings studying Zen Texts & Zen History.
- Participate in Catch Your Mind & Precepts Study as an ongoing expression of practice.
- Participate in both Commit to Sit Practice Periods (90-day training intensives) each year.
- Help maintain and support the Zen Center through service.
- Maintain monthly Formal Zen Student Dues Payments of $108 or $216.
zen training resources
