It is good to tame the mind, flighty and difficult to restrain. A tamed mind brings contentment.
— The Buddha
We are a Zen Buddhist meditation center celebrating our 32nd year of meditation practice (zazen) in the heart of New York City. The aim of this practice–which goes back to the teachings of the historical Buddha and to our many Zen ancestors–is nothing less than the practice of freedom, in the very midst of life’s burdens, responsibilities, and stress. All of this is supported by a friendly, welcoming community (sangha)–one of the hallmarks of Still Mind Zendo and one which we constantly seek to foster.
Welcome to Still Mind Zendo
Newcomers to Still Mind are most welcome! If you have never practiced Zen meditation, please attend one of our Introduction to Zen classes before joining one of our regular sittings. This simple, accessible class is taught on two Thursday evenings a month (except in August).
If you have practiced Zen before, please feel free to join us at any of our sittings, no introduction class required. Our sangha meets on Tuesday evenings, Thursday evenings, and Saturday mornings to practice together.
Programs
In addition to our regular meditation schedule, we offer monthly all day meditation retreats as well as weekend retreats, which are open to the public. For other programs, please see below.
Donations
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we welcome donations to our zendo. Our sangha supports itself primarily through memberships and donations. We receive no outside funding. All donations are tax deductible.
If you’re making a membership or retreat payment, click here.
Available Now
Making Zen Your Own: Giving Life to Twelve Key Golden Age Ancestors
by Roshi Janet Jiryu Abels
"Janet Abels writes about the Zen ancestors with clarity and depth of knowledge that comes from long practice and study."
—Andy Ferguson, Author of Zen's Chinese Heritage
"Through excellent narrative and her own deep understanding, Janet Abels has revealed the profound teachings of these great masters for present-day students of the Way."
—Roshi Gerry Shishin Wick, Author of The Book of Equanimity
"By personalizing Zen lineage masters, these seemingly untouchable mystics are situated anew in a practitioner's narrative of Buddhism."
—Buddhadharma Magazine