About Still Mind Zendo

Still Mind Zendo (SMZ), formed in 1994, is in the lineage of Zen Master Taizan Maezumi Roshi and the White Plum Asanga, an affiliation of over 200 Zen teachers throughout the world.

Our emphasis is on the practice of zazen (sitting meditation) above all else, recognizing it as a way for people to deepen their insight into the truth of who they essentially are. Zen can often seem daunting but, in reality, it is a very simple practice grounded in the body, grounded in breath. With this in mind, we offer practical, accessible teaching within a solid structure and the support of caring, like-minded people, and welcome individuals from all walks of life and from all religious or non-religious backgrounds to sit with us.

Our singular commitment to zazen practice makes our approach a simple one. Apart from upholding the tradition of the basic Zen chants, we hold no services or other rituals, and we do not wear robes. We are, however, deeply committed to the teachings of the Zen ancestors; to the discipline of the Way; to the attention to posture and detail; to the practice of being in the moment; and to the extension of that practice into every facet of our lives.

In addition to monthly All Day Sittings and out-of-town Retreats, weekly Dharma talks are given. Daisan, one-on-one teaching covering both zazen and its connection to our lives as well as koan study, is available to members.

Our founder and guiding teacher, Roshi Janet Jiryu Abels, is a dharma successor of Roshi Robert Jinsen Kennedy, while Sensei Marisa Seishin Cespedes, Sensei Jean Seiwa Gallagher, and Dharma Holder Matthias Esho Birk are dharma successors of Roshi Janet. Roshi Gregory Hosho Abels, another successor to Roshi Kennedy, recently retired from Still Mind.

We invite you to meet and talk with one of our teachers when you first come to Still Mind, and so learn about how teachers are integral to Zen practice and the development of a still mind.

Roshi Janet Jiryu Abels

A preview of Still Mind Zendo

Location

34 West 15th St. (between 5th and 6th Aves.), 3rd floor. Still Mind Zendo is located in the Greenwich Village/Chelsea area of Manhattan close to Union Square and near all major subway lines and the New Jersey PATH train. The building has a buzzer system for entrance.

 

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