May 30, 2026
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
“The Way-Seeking Mind of the Tenzo is actualized by rolling up your sleeves.”
—Eihei Dogen, Tenzo Kyōkun
Zen practice has a long tradition of work-practice both in the monastery and in our homes: the joyful, liberating practice of doing everyday activities of caring for our lives as an essential realm of practice. In this quote, the 13th century founder of Soto Zen, Dogen-zenji is talking about the head cook, in a monastery, or Tenzo. And these words can apply to work in any context of any activity done with intention and a spirit of generosity and interconnection.
In this one day work-practice retreat we will come together to roll up our sleeves and take up work-practice. We will sit zazen, clean, organize and make room for consolidating our Sangha into our city temple home.
This is a chance for all of us to pour our practice hearts into the well-being and functioning of the space we share together in Brooklyn.
09:30 AM — Work period / Set-up
10:30 AM — Zazen (seated meditation)
11:00 AM — Introduction to Work-Practice
11:20 AM — Work Circle and quiet work-practice period
12:30 PM — BYO Picnic Lunch
01:30 PM — Work circle and not-so-quiet work-practice period
04:00 PM — Closing circle clean up
04:25 PM — Refuges
04:30 PM — End of day
Registration deadline — May 28, 11:59 PM ET
Financial assistance deadline — May 21, 11:59 PM ET
Questions? If you have any questions or concerns about registration, please contact us at info@brooklynzen.org.
Image: A Monk’s Guide to a Clean House and Mind by Shoukei Matsumoto
Boundless Mind Temple is located in the Parish House of Christ Church Cobble Hill, next to 326 Clinton Street. Enter the driveway on Clinton, go past the scaffolding, and through the double doors.
Stay Connected with BZC!
BZC relies on donations to sustain its spaces, teachers, and staff. Learn more about supporting us here.
Our health and wellness policy for all visitors has been updated for our current post-pandemic times while still prioritizing community care.
Please see BZC’s Updated Health & Wellness Policy for more information.
To request a refund for this program you must notify BZC in writing at least 2 days before the beginning of the program. This supports the organizing effort involved in managing registrations and cancellations.