This fall, Brooklyn Zen Center invited our community to think about what membership means.We’re honored to share here with you our report and express our gratitude.

Our Fall Membership Drive is in its final days, and we’re closing it out with one last Meet a Member story.

Meet Hugo Medina. Hugo has been practicing since 1991 and found his way to BZC after moving to Brooklyn. He serves as a shika, helping after Dharma talks, and he told us that membership is “a commitment to support the sangha.” Or, as he puts it, “in a way, it’s faith.”

As Halloween approaches, Vipassana Vijayarangan opens with a personal reflection on hungry ghosts, ancestors, and the traditions through which we encounter them. Sarah Sensei follows with details on how our Three Day Sesshin, will include Sejiki (an offering ceremony to nourish and liberate hungry ghosts and care for our ancestors), open to all sangha members.

Meet Dorotea and hear how BZC’s engaged programs have given her a place to bring her organizing work and her practice together.

It’s week 2 of our Fall 2026 Membership Drive. This week, meet Mary!