Brooklyn Zen Center | A New York City Soto Zen Buddhist Temple
Giving

The custom of dana–translated as generosity–is fundamental to Buddhist practice. Dana is considered to be the first of the six perfections of ethical practice. It is the heart-opening gateway to the other five that reduces acquisitive impulses, thereby deepening liberation from the clinging that causes mental suffering.

The practice is both a guide to and expression of the realization of interconnectedness. This selfless and spontaneous giving is the essential activity of truly relating to life, allowing us to open our hearts and foster empathy and kindness.

Not only is the practice of dana necessary for the continuation of any practice community, Buddhist teachers are also largely supported by the generosity of other practitioners. Our teachers have always been generous with their time and teaching and so we do what we can to meet their generosity with our own.

We want to emphasize that dana is not a simple quid pro quo as it is normally understood in our market-ruled economy. For example, we hope that our membership is not understood as the cost for coming to the zen center. Zazen is always offered freely. Rather it is an opportunity for formalizing a basic commitment of dana as it comes forth from you so that Brooklyn Zen Center can budget appropriately.

The Buddha taught that when we give to others, we give without expectation of return. We give completely without delineating between giver, receiver and gift so that this life may be released from the distressing grip of greed and self-clinging. In this broader light generosity is the wisest form of self-care, which is why the Buddha found it to be the seed of spiritual development.

All gifts are deeply appreciated. The hope is that our practice of dana allows us to gently test the edges of self without stiffening up under the violent reproaches of deluded, right-and-wrong mind. May we let our activity of giving ultimately rest in love for ourselves and for others.

If you would like to give a one-time gift, you can do so by clicking on the button immediately below.

If you would like to support BZC in an ongoing way, see how to become a member and fill out our online membership form.

Thank you for your kindness and support.

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Membership

Please fill out our online membership form.

Brooklyn Zen Center is supported completely by donations. Whether it be a one time gift, support of a specific project, or an ongoing commitment, all Brooklyn Zen Center operations are dependent on your generosity.

Annual membership dues are a way of giving more regularly and are the foundation on which our center can build and support our programs, practice space, and the visiting teachers we bring to our community. Whether you join us everyday or occasionally, your membership or donation is a very tangible way to show your commitment to planting the seeds of the dharma and the tradition of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi in New York City.

Your membership and donations allow us to:

Sustain the Place of Practice

Hundreds of people come to Brooklyn Zen Center as a respite from the often overwhelming pace of New York City life. Providing a place for those in our community to look inward and allow their minds and bodies to settle increases the opportunities for peaceful engagement in our neighborhoods and world. Members play a vital role in the care and development of our practice place, helping to keep our center open and accessible to all.

Cultivate Community

In becoming a member, you are expressing your confidence in our sangha. The energy you bring allows for the creation of an open and inclusive practice community. We at Brooklyn Zen Center are committed to keeping the costs of our programs low so that they are available to all. This commitment simply cannot be fulfilled without ongoing membership pledges and donations.

Support Visiting Dharma Teachers

As a result of your donations, we are able to pay for our space at 505 Carroll Street, our programs, and all related expenses necessary for maintaining a place of practice. We are also able to bring our guiding teacher, Teah Strozer, and other dharma teachers here. It is through their deep intention and guidance that this Zen practice is handed down to us so that we are now able to cultivate it together here in New York.

Suggested Membership Contributions

Basic Membership: $50 - $74 per month
Supporting Membership: $75 - $149 per month
Sustaining Circle Membership: $150 - $299 per month
Radiant Outreach Membership: $300 or more per month
Limited Income Membership: $30 - $49 per month
Basic Family Membership: $100 per month
Limited Income Family: $50 per month

Brooklyn Zen Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.

Dues may be paid on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis. Members receive discounts on classes and retreats. Please help to ensure the care and growth of both the dharma and the sangha by making a financial pledge for the year.

To become a member by mail please fill out a printable membership form.

 

We thank you for your interest and your intention to support Buddhist practice. The continuing operation of the center would be impossible without the ongoing generosity of its members.

Donating to Brooklyn Zen Center

Brooklyn Zen Center is supported completely by donations. Whether it be a one time gift, support of a specific project, or an ongoing commitment, all Brooklyn Zen Center operations are dependent on your generosity, which we greatly appreciate. If you are interested in making a donation to Brooklyn Zen Center at this time, you can do so by clicking the button below:

All donations will go to BZC operating costs, programs, or the support of our guiding teacher, Teah Strozer

If you are interested in giving a larger gift to our community as a part of your personal desire to support the cultivation of Zen practice in New York City, but would prefer to speak to someone personally, please contact our Development Director, Yael Shy, by emailing yael <at> brooklynzen <dot> org. You may also leave a message for Yael at 718-701-1083.

Thank you for your very generous support of Brooklyn Zen Center, our community of practitioners, and the Buddhist practice in our city.

 

 

Planned Giving

You can support the Brooklyn Zen Center’s long-term financial vitality by including us in your estate planning. Giving in this way leaves a wonderful and valuable legacy for future generations, and helps the Brooklyn Zen Center develop solid and sustainable programs for years to come. It’s easier than you think, and may also provide excellent benefits for you and/or your family at tax time.
 

BEQUESTS
Consider including the Brooklyn Zen Center in your will, living trust, retirement plan, or life insurance policy. Doing so is very easy, and ensures that your generosity  will continue in perpetuity, supporting a dynamic institution dedicated to the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha under Suzuki Roshi’s Lineage.
 
In life insurance and retirement plans, naming the Brooklyn Zen Center as a beneficiary can save your heirs undue tax burdens and are often tax deductible. Your lawyer or financial advisor should be able to give you the information on how to do so.
 
Giving to the Zen Center in a will or trust is also fairly simple provided specific language is used. Here is some sample language, however a lawyer should always be consulted before making any bequests:
 
Give A Percentage
“I give, devise, and bequeath to the Brooklyn Zen Center of New York,______% of my estate to be used for charitable purposes.”
 
Give A Specific Dollar Amount
“I give, devise, and bequeath to the Brooklyn Zen Center of New York, $_______ to be used for charitable purposes.”
 
Give A Residue
A residue is what assets remain after other bequests have been granted.
“All the residue of my estate, including real and personal property, I give, devise, and bequeath to the Brooklyn Zen Center of New York, to be used for its charitable purposes.” Please let us know that you are interested in these options for planned giving by emailing Yael Shy at yael [at] brooklynzen [dot] org, and thank your for your support and generosity.
 
 

APPRECIATED ASSETS/STOCK TRANSFER
You can avoid the capital gains tax you might incur from the sale of an appreciated asset (such as stock) by donating the asset to the Brooklyn Zen Center.  You  will also receive a tax deduction for the full market value of the asset.  Please contact us and let us know if you are interested in making an appreciated asset transfer, please email Yael Shy at yael [at] brooklynzen [dot] org.  

 

Corporate Matching Gifts

Many companies have matching gift programs  that could increase the value of your donation to the Brooklyn Zen Center. We encourage you to check with your personnel department for the matching-gift form and send it via email to Yael Shy at yael [at] brooklynzen [dot] org or by regular mail to the Brooklyn Zen Center c/o Yael Shy.

 

Specific Item Donations

Wish List
The following items would be incredibly useful for the Brooklyn Zen Center. Please email us for details if interested. 

  • Window Coverings
  • Commercial-grade Kitchen Supplies
  • Library Furniture
  • Buddhist Books for BZC Library
  • BZC Outdoor Sign

 
Please check back periodically as this list may change. If you have an item you feel would be appropriate, please email us at yael [at] brooklynzen [dot] org with your name, full description of the item, including year purchased and current condition, your address and whether or not it would need to be picked up.
 
Gift Registries
We will soon be adding links to gift registries where you can purchase designated items for Brooklyn Zen Center. Please check back for more details.
 
Gift Certificates

The Brooklyn Zen Center frequently does business at the following companies, all of whom offer gift certificates. You can make tax-deductible contributions to the Brooklyn Zen Center by purchasing a gift certificate at any one of them in our name, and forwarding the certificate to the Brooklyn Zen Center, 505 Carroll St, Suite 2A, Brooklyn NY ZIP CODE.

  • Lowes Hardware Store
  • IKEA
  • Bed, Bath and Beyond

 
Thank you for your generosity!  
 
 

Give Your Time to Brooklyn Zen Center

VOLUNTEERING/INTERNSHIPS/PRO-BONO SUPPORT
 
Thank you so much for your interest in volunteering at the Brooklyn Zen Center. Dedicated volunteers support every aspect of the Zen Center – from ongoing committee meetings to periodic help with special events and one-time projects. Volunteering is a wonderful way to connect with like-minded people doing valuable and important work. It is deeply rewarding and may also help you develop or strengthen your skills in non-profit management, fundraising, grantwriting, outreach, event-planning, finance, non-profit law, arts administration, and mindfulness education.

To sign up to be an as-needed volunteer, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Erica Essner, at volunteers[at]brooklynzen[dot]org.
 
To join a Brooklyn Zen Center committee please use our online contact form and address it to the specific committee chair in which you are interested.
 
To offer your pro-bono services as a lawyer, financial advisor, or development professional, please email Development Director, Yael Shy, at yael[at]brooklynzen[dot]org.
 
To inquire about potential internships at Brooklyn Zen Center, please contact our Executive Director, Greg Snyder, at greg[at]brooklynzen[dot]org.
 
 Your service, expertise, time and efforts are so deeply appreciated!