Yes, come as you are. Your presence and practice at Brooklyn Zen Center (BZC) is a deeply appreciated form of dana practice (generosity). To start, we recommend attending meditation instruction that takes place on the first Saturday of each month at Boundless Mind Temple in Brooklyn.

Most of our offerings, including our weekly meditation schedule and engaged practice groups are open to the public, regardless of experience with meditation. You may also want to explore the information and resources in our Zen Practice page.

When you arrive, you’ll likely be greeted by someone at the bottom of the steps — feel free to ask them any questions before heading up.

On the mezzanine level, remove your shoes and leave them on the shoe rack along with any belongings. Then continue up one more flight to the zendo (meditation hall).

Once inside, take whatever you need to sit comfortably — cushions, a chair, or a bench are all available. During zazen (seated meditation), you’re invited to face the wall and maintain silence, in keeping with the Soto Zen tradition.

Don’t worry if you’re unsure what to do at any point. Much of practice is learned simply by watching and following along, and it’s completely natural not to know everything right away. You’re welcome here.

If you are able and feel compelled to do so, please make a donation to BZC and/or the teachers, by placing your contribution in a provided envelope in either or both of the donation boxes found in the Zendo, by scanning one of the donation QR codes in the space to make an online donation, or by giving directly at this link: brooklynzen.org/giving

We suggest wearing loose, comfortable clothes in dark or muted colors. We provide mats (zabutons), cushions (zafus), and chairs for seated meditation. We recommend leaving valuables at home, and ask you not to bring phones or electronics into the zendo. We also ask you not to wear scents to support those with allergies. 

BZC strives to ensure that our offerings are accessible to all. If you have any questions or requests about accessibility, please contact us at info@brooklynzen.org.

Boundless Mind Temple is located in an historic building which is not wheelchair accessible. There are two flights of stairs leading to the center, located on the second floor. Chairs, benches, and extra support cushions are available. For questions about access at Boundless Mind Temple, contact cityshika@brooklynzen.org.

Yes, come as you are. Sharing space and practice at BZC nourishes the continuity in our community and dharma offerings. 

The visual inspiration for our logo is the Kechimyaku, the bloodline chart given at precept ceremonies that traces a direct connection through the ancestors to Shakyamuni Buddha.

On the Kechimyaku, there’s a seal stylizing the three characters of the triple treasure, “Buddha, Dharma, Sangha.” We needed to simplify that complex design and chose to emphasize Sangha, the treasure that BZC offers in a unique and profound way.

The logo and website were designed by Cathleen Tseng at Sunny Kilogram.

We offer zazen (meditation) online Monday-Friday, and in-person at Boundless Mind Temple weekly on Saturdays. Please check the Events page for details and exceptions.

Groups are welcome at any of our programs. For special inquiries, please email us here.

BZC welcomes everyone, regardless of their practice commitment or involvement in our community, to join the circle of supporters who ensure the continuity of our offerings, through BZC Membership. Membership is an essential support for BZC’s health, as it allows us to count on a regular flow of resources. Members receive discounts on programming, and are included in regular updates on the institutional workings of BZC. 

We invite you to explore the different offerings available at BZC and to learn about the practice of dana.

You may register for events/retreats via our website. The easiest way to do so is to browse our Events page and then select the event you are interested in attending. From there, you can select the program of interest and you will be directed to an event page which contains a registration form. 

BZC is committed to offering classes, workshops, and retreats on a sliding scale in an aspiration to move towards equity within our sangha (community). Please see our Equitable Pricing Model to guide you in determining your appropriate registration rate.