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A Day of Commitment: Jukai Ceremony Photos

On March 22, 2026, our sangha gathered to witness something beautiful. Jukai is the ceremony A Day of Commitment: Jukai Ceremony Photos

Latest Podcast Episode: Interfaith dialogue with Rev. Mira Salwani

Rev. Mira Salwani of The Riverside Church joins Sarah Dōjin Emerson for a beautiful interfaith conversation on engaged action as spiritual practice.

Discrete Moments of Awe at BZC

Dorotea Mendoza, is a writer, Zen practitioner, and one of the students who will receive the precepts at this month’s Jukai ceremony. We’re honored to share her words of reflection with you.

No Talent Required! An Invitation from Your MCs

“If a no-talent show happens at BZC and no one’s around to see it…does it really happen?”

Zen Death Poems in the New Year, 2026

Writing a poem in a notebook with a pencil at the window sill

Thank you to everyone who shared your beautiful poetry with the sangha. Earlier this year, Zen Death Poems in the New Year, 2026

BZC’s Updated Health & Wellness Policy

Here is our health and wellness policy for all visitors, updated for our current post covid-pandemic times while still prioritizing community care.

Befriending Zen Koans

Charlie Korin Pokorny on Zen koans and How is it to live with a question?

Our gratitude to you

Thanks to your incredible generosity! Through your support of our annual fundraiser, BZC will continue to offer dharma instruction, maintain Boundless Mind Temple, provide practice scholarships, and create the conditions where practice flourishes.

Share Your Zen Death Poem, 2026

Writing a poem in a notebook with a pencil at the window sill

Annual Zen Death Poem Practice: Reflect on impermanence through poetry. Listen to the Dharma talk, write your poem, and share with the sangha!

New: Rohatsu Sesshin Dharma Talks

Dharma talks from our December Rohatsu sesshin at Boundless Mind Temple are now being uploaded to the podcast feed.

Way Seeking Mind Talks

Searching for the Ox, first image from the Ox-herding pictures by 15th century Zen monk Shubun

In the new year, we’re beginning a special event series in lieu of our regular Wednesday Dharma Share. Each Wednesday from January 14 through March 4, Jukai students will present Way-Seeking Mind talks as part of their preparation for receiving the Zen Buddhist precepts.

Envisioning Our Futures: Sangha Voices

For this year’s annual fundraiser, we’re listening deeply—to one another and to the vision we hold together for Brooklyn Zen Center. Read reflections from sangha members on what BZC has been, what it is now, and what it might become. Check back weekly through mid-January for new voices!

BZC Merch Available!

Giving the gift of BZC merch is one way you can contribute to Brooklyn Zen Center!

Sangha Day: What We Created Together

“When I woke up this morning the impression that remains is one of sweetness,” wrote Clare the day after Sangha Day. Forty-one people gathered to experiment with Open Space Technology, creating conversations and activities around what mattered most: grief and forgiveness, political action, crafting, collective dreaming, music, somatic practice, spiritual friendship, and more.

In Conversation with Dawn Haney: Holding Space for Queer Dharma Share

We spoke with Dawn Haney about Queer Dharma Share, their practice, their approach to teaching, and what they’re hoping to hold with the group.

Special Gathering with Ian Case – December 3rd

Please join us on Wednesday, December 3rd, 7PM at Boundless Mind Temple for a special gathering with Ian Case. This event will take place in place of our regular Wednesday night dharma share.

Rohatsu Sesshin by Paul Medlyn

This month, sangha member Paul Medlyn shares a reflection on Rohatsu Sesshin, our intensive five-day meditation retreat held in early December. “Rohatsu” means “eighth day of the twelfth month” and refers to Bodhi Day, commemorating the Buddha’s enlightenment.

Online Parent Practice Group Returns Oct 16 with Sarah Dōjin Emerson

zafu with children's book with ink brush stroke drawings

For those who follow the way amidst toys on the floor, Brooklyn Zen Center’s Parent/Caregiver Practice Group is back.

In-Between Places: Welcoming Rev. Duncan Ryuken Williams

Ahead of his visit to BZC, Duncan Ryuken Wililiams, author of American Sutra and founder of the Ireichō project, shares these words with our sangha.

Welcome Anna!

We are delighted to welcome Anna Sardar as the new Program Director of Brooklyn Zen Center! Anna is excited to support the variety of suchness each of our members brings into our shared practice life, both online and in person, at Brooklyn Zen.

Does the planet need saving?

A message from Kyle Butler, BZC Member on climate justice and the dharma.

How might exploring Zen’s myths and complex history fortify our practice?

An interview on learning about Zen history with BZC Dharma Teacher and Soto Zen Priest and Scholar, Charlie Korin Pokorny.

Coming into balance.

Image: Bas-relief of a multi-armed Avalokiteshvara on the west side of the temple complex at Banteay Chhmar: Banteay Chhmar Community-Based Tourism

A fall preview on the practice of balance, from BZC Dharma Teacher and Zen Priest Sarah Dōjin Emerson

Sangha Jewels – We Thank You!

Paper Flowers

Our 2025 Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser is now complete. Thank you to our incredible community of supporters! We’d like to share the results and what it means for our sangha going forward.

Final Days: Every Gift Counts

The campaign is almost over, but there’s still time to make a difference!

Week 04: Why Now?

Headshot of Kristen Davis

Why are we holding this fundraiser now? 

Thank You Bianca!

Headshot of Bianca Ozeri

We are deeply grateful to Bianca Ozeri for her dedicated service as BZC’s Development & Membership Manager and Annual Campaign Coordinator. As she steps down to welcome twin boys, we wish to thank Bianca for her contributions to the sangha and her warm, collaborative spirit.

Week 02: Fundraising Tip – Feeling unsure? You’re Not Alone!

Jizo statue overlooking mountains near Ancestral Heart Temple

What if creating a fundraising page, regardless of how much you raise, is already an act of love – an expression your devotion to what’s most sacred in your practice?

The Dharma of Fundraising: Peer-to-Peer Practice Group

Gardening Gloves drying on a clothesline against the backdrop of the Taconic Mountains at Ancestral Heart Temple

Starting June 30, we’re opening an online weekly support space for anyone participating in our peer-to-peer campaign. Join us Monday nights for zazen, coaching and peer support!

Week 01: Fundraising Tip – Start with your “Why”

Here are a couple of first steps to help you begin participating in BZC’s Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser.

Soft Launch – Sangha Jewels, We Invite You to Shine

Paper Flowers

Before we launch our Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser officially, we’re inviting you—especially newer sangha members and those with fresh capacity—to help spark the momentum.

What We Offer, Together: BZC’s Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser

Share your love of Zen practice and community with friends and family in this digital version of takuhatsu (alms rounds)!

Home is Here: BZC’s Summer Read with Rev. Liên Shutt

Join BZC’s Summer Read on Practicing Antiracism with the Engaged Eightfold Path by Rev. Liên Shutt.

The Path to Jukai: A Journey of Vows, Sewing, Service, and Sangha

Holding up rakusu after taking Jukai

Ryan Lee Wong answers some frequently asked questions about Jukai (receiving the precepts) to clarify the path for those interested in the future.

Hats for the Jizos – Sangha Day Fun for kids!

Hats for the Jizos thumbnail image

Bring your little ones to Boundless Mind Temple on May 17 for a special childcare offerings including stories, crafts, and celebration. (Plus, Call for Volunteers!)

Interview with Bin Jung: Reflections on Buddhism, Sangha, and Ancestry

Bin Jung wth dog Concha in her arms in front of a sunset on water.

BZC Member Bin her journey through Buddhism, reflections on Sangha, favorite sutras, remote practice tips, and how her path has deepened her connection to heritage.

Thank you all for supporting our Spring Membership Drive!

Tea & treats on white cloth table

Here are the results and a review of what took place during the campaign from March 10–April 10, 2025.

BZC Podcast

Podcast Icon

Check out last month’s dharma talks by: The BZC Podcast is offered free of charge and made BZC Podcast

Thank you, Rev. Lynch!

Rev James Lynch seated in front of altar sharing his dharma talk

We had the honor of hosing Rissho Kokai Minister, Rev. James Lynch for a dharma talk Thank you, Rev. Lynch!

Reflecting on the BIPOC Day of Mindfulness

Participants of the workshops standing in stillness or gesturing in different shapes and movement inside the zendo

We are honored to share this essay by BZC sangha member, Jessica Angima, reflecting on the somatic experience of Kaira Jewel Lingo’s workshop at BMT while weaving in the current political moment.

Meet a Member – Sara Lamm

Sara Lamm

For the 4th and final week of Brooklyn Zen Center’s annual Membership Drive, we shine a light on Sara Lamm, a sangha member at Boundless Mind Temple!

Meet a Member – Errol King

Errol King

For Week 3 of Brooklyn Zen Center’s annual Membership Drive, we’re excited to introduce you to Errol King, a sangha member at Millerton Zendo!

Meet a Member – Lūk Shaolon

It’s Week 2 of Brooklyn Zen Center’s annual Membership Drive, and we’re honored to share and celebrate Lūk’s story!

Celebrating the January Intensive!

January Intensive Participants

Hello devoted readers of the Ancestral Heart newsletter—did you miss us? 😁 Things have been Celebrating the January Intensive!

Meet a Member – Weishin Huang

Weishin Huang in the Ancestral Heart Kitchen showing very large bowl of chopped food

Kicking off Brooklyn Zen Center’s annual Membership Drive, we’re thrilled to feature long-time member, Weishin!

Thank you, Rev. Doyeon Park!

Rev Doyeon Park and Charlie Korin Pokorny

We had the honor of hosting Won Buddhist Minister, Rev. Doyeon Park, for Boundless Mind Temple’s Thank you, Rev. Doyeon Park!

BZC going to the Burning Refuge Summit

On March 14th 2025 BZC’s own Weishin Huang, Kaishin Matsui, and Ryan Lee Wong will represent BZC at the Burning BZC going to the Burning Refuge Summit

BZC Podcast

Han – A wooden instrument calling the sangha to the zendo, hanging on a tree of our Millerton neighbors at Watershed. Inscribed: "Great is the matter of birth and death. Life is fleeting… Awake, awake, do not waste this life!"

Check out our latest episodes on the podcast, including dharma talks by Shingetsu Laura O’Loughlin, Rev. Doyeon BZC Podcast

New Hiring Opportunity: Full-Time Program Director at Brooklyn Zen Center

We are excited to announce the creation of a new full-time position at Brooklyn Zen Center: Program Director.

Zen Death Poems in the New Year

Sangha writing zen death poetry together in zendo

Thank you to everyone who shared your beautiful poetry. As Mimi Rosenfeld beautifully put it, Zen Death Poems in the New Year

The Here & Now in a Messy Livingroom

Parents meditate in the zendo

For several years BZC’s Parent Practice Group has been cultivating a field together, sharing as The Here & Now in a Messy Livingroom

Announcing Parent Practice Group Dates & Childcare Spring Schedule

Parents & Guardians: We’re excited to share our upcoming spring schedule. Mark your calendars for Announcing Parent Practice Group Dates & Childcare Spring Schedule

Share Your Zen Death Poem

Writing a poem in a notebook with a pencil at the window sill

Join our community in reflecting on impermanence through the Zen tradition of death poems. Share your own poem and connect with others in this meaningful practice.

Registration Deadline Approaching: The Four Foundations of Mindfulness – Online Class

Illustrated Sinhalese covers (inside)

Our six-week online class starts February 4, 2025.

A Ritual of Reflection

BZC Sangha Chanting Maka Hannya Haramitta Shin Gyo during the Rohatsu Ceremony, 2024 at Boundless Mind Temple

We are excited to welcome Vipassana Vijayarangan as the new Boundless Mind Temple Administrator at BZC! Enjoy a heartfelt New Year message from her here.

Holidays at Ancestral Heart

Molly by the fire

Enjoy a recap of the holidays at Ancestral Heart and its residents written by Millerton Sangha Member, Larissa Pham!

‘Two Years of Priesthood’: New Essay by Victory Kaishin Matsui Published in Tricycle

We’re excited to share a new essay by Victory Kaishin Matsui, Ancestral Heart Director at Brooklyn Zen Center, published in Tricycle.

A Simple Way to Support What You Love

The holidays can be hectic, but giving back doesn’t have to be. Ordering some BZC merch or giving the gift of a BZC Membership are a couple of ways you can contribute to Brooklyn Zen Center AND cross off people on your gift list!

Grandmotherly Mind and more, up on our BZC Podcast!

Listen to a reading and discussion by BZC friends and acclaimed poets: Granny Cloud by Farnoosh Fathi and Through a Window by Zoketsu Norman Fischer, and BZC Administrative Director Ryan Lee Wong.

Schedule Changes

See program suspensions during Rohatsu and holiday breaks here.

New BZC Podcast episodes now available!

The latest BZC Podcast episodes include dharma talks with guest teachers such as, Tova Green and Dr. Paula Arai, as well as with BZC teachers, Ian Kidō Case and Sarah Dōjin Emerson.

October at Ancestral Heart

As the weather changes and the leaves turn colors and drop, I’m reminded of these 72 kō. What’s the use of 72 seasons? It’s a reminder to look at the natural world, to observe the phenomena around us.

New hiring opportunity: Boundless Mind Temple Administrator

BZC logo

We are excited to announce that Brooklyn Zen Center is seeking a new BMT Administrator!

Savoring Summer at Ancestral Heart

Take a look here into the life at Ancestral Heart Temple during the Summer months, which included a lot of gardening, visitors, skits, and stillness. Residents at our “mountain temple”, located near the town of Millerton, two hours north of New York City, cultivate connection with the land, the body, and ancestry.

Tech Upgrades made possible by the TIDEL Fellowship

Thanks to the TIDEL (Technology, Innovation, & Digital Engagement Lab) Fellowship, BZC is receiving valuable technology upgrades to enhance our hybrid experiences.

Writing to Study the Self, has started – and it’s our biggest program yet!

The inaugural offering has garnered enthusiastic participation, showcasing the potential of online programs.

Saying a word: latest BZC Audio Dharma episode by Rev. Chimyo Atkinson now available

The dharma talk offered by visiting teacher, Rev. Chimyo Atkinson at Boundless Mind Temple in Brooklyn on June 29, 2024 is now available on the BZC Podcast.

Ryan Lee Wong featured on podcast, Opening Dharma Access

Host Rev. Dana Takagi talks with BZC’s own Administrative Director, Ryan Lee Wong, about Zen Practice as Community Building.

Letting in the Ancestors

Camille Shigetsu Goodison, Brooklyn Zen Center long time member, has written a moving and powerful article published in Tricycle.

Fall Ango: The Way of Healing

In our fall 2024 Ango, or Practice Period intensive, we will focus on the relationship between Zen Practice and ways of healing.