News - Brooklyn Zen Center

Meet a Member

Charlie shares his favorite moment on retreat: three o’clock, when the morning has gone, the light has deepened, and the sangha sits down to tea. He reflects on silence, sympathetic joy, and why membership at BZC is an act of faith in not being alone.

Our Hungry Ghosts + Sejiki Ceremony on 10/31

Announcements

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 a Member: Tori

Meet a Member

Tori shares what it was like to step across the threshold as a newcomer, intimidated by the forms and the chanting, and how serving on the Shika Ryo and sitting in Wednesday night Dharma Shares deepened her connection.

Meet a Member: Dorotea

Meet a Member

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

Meet a Member: Paul

Meet a Member

For Week 3 we have Paul Medlyn – enjoy his story!

Meet a Member: Mary

Meet a Member

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

Meet a Member: Jules

Meet a Member

As part of our Fall Membership Drive, we’re collecting reflections from sangha members on what practice and community at Brooklyn Zen Center means to them.

“One Cannot Take Refuge While Remaining Indifferent to Injustice”: An Interview with Dr. Santosh Raut (Maitriveer Nagarjuna)

Interviews

This July, Charlie Sensei interviewed Dr. Santosh Raut in which he reflects on his recent visit to Boundless Mind Temple. He also discusses his deep friendship with the late Alan Senauke, a Soto Zen lineage holder, and explores broader themes connecting Ambedkar’s legacy to socially engaged Buddhism.

Thank you, Anna! Honoring a year of vision, care, and devotion

Announcements

Anna Sardar, our Programming Director, is leaving BZC after a year of dedicated work. Anna … Thank you, Anna! Honoring a year of vision, care, and devotion