Zen Center Village Zendo

I've been sitting weekly with the Village Zendo for three years, been to a few retreats, and done several workshops. Establishing and maintaining a daily meditation practice is famously difficult to do alone, but the VZ teachers are very generous with their time and have a knack for meeting students where they're at. Very grateful I took the plunge and walked in when I did!

I am a regular at the Village Zendo, and being here grounds my entire week. I've been a member for 9 years, and the teachers and sangha members have been with me through all my life changes in that time. I love the simplicity and openness of the practice - it is very easy to get involved! One-on-one work with teachers has helped me tremendously. There are also all sorts of opportunities for service and social justice engagement. I highly recommend the various retreat options. So grateful for a spiritual home in the city.

I’ve been practicing at the Village Zendo for nearly a decade now. It’s one of the most grounding, welcoming places I’ve ever known. Tucked away in the heart of downtown Manhattan, it somehow manages to offer a deep sense calm that cuts through the city’s noise. The teachers here are thoughtful, the community is warm, diverse, and genuinely supportive, and there’s a real commitment to engaged practice both on and off the cushion. No matter if you’re brand new to Zen or a longtime practitioner, you’re met with kindness and openness the moment you walk through the door. Whether you’re looking to start a meditation practice, deepen your Zen study, or just find a moment of peace in the middle of your day, the Village Zendo is truly a special place. I can’t recommend it enough.

It is difficult to convey in words the appreciation and gratitude that we feel as human beings for the places that have influenced us in deep and often unseen or unnoticed ways. I wandered into the Village Zendo a few years ago and was immediately struck by the informal casual nature of the place. In short, I felt at home right away. In a city as chaotic as NYC, it is hard to find places of refuge. We have Central Park but it feels artificial. There are some tucked away quiet places scattered throughout the island of Manhattan of course. Somehow, the Village Zendo has carved out a special place right in the middle of all it. Enkyo Roshi has been quoted to the question "What is your practice?" by simply saying "Manhattan". Well, practice continues, and what a beautiful practice it is. I encourage anyone to stop by and see for yourself this special place, which reveals itself through the dedication on display by the loving teachers and practice participants on a daily basis. The Sangha is here to support all beings in their quest, whatever that may be. Gassho, Robun

I've been meditating at the Village Zendo for about ten years. They provide a beautiful, quiet space for meditation along with whatever level of support you need or want. This warm community is a queer and female friendly space. I needed some structure and motivation for my practice so I could bring serenity to my stressful work days and commutes, having a regular meditation practice has helped with that so much! I picked this group simply because the location and timing worked for my life. In particular, I love that there are evening sessions that I can get to after work. If you arrive late you can't enter the main room immediately, but after the first sit, which is about 20 minutes, you can enter. This works well for me because sometimes I have to work late and can't arrive right on time. There are three sits in the evening sessions, so if you've had enough or have to get somewhere and can't stay the whole time, you can always head out in between the sits. I highly recommend coming by for meditation!