About Us

Our Vision

A more awakened and wholehearted existence for all

OUR FOUNDATION & MISSION

The New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care is a 501(c)(3) transforming the culture of care. Since its inception in 2007, NYZC has been a trailblazer in pioneering the contemplative approach to care and medicine, developing innovative education, conducing groundbreaking research, and offering spiritual care for those facing suffering in all its many forms, including illness and end-of-life. The Zen Center is unique in its steadfast dedication to the dual principles of shared spiritual practice and service in the community. The integration of Zen practice, transformational education, intimate care, and supportive community sets the Zen Center apart. Today, our programs are internationally recognized and have reached tens of thousands of individuals.

WHO WE ARE

Led by co-founders, Sensei Koshin Paley Ellison and Sensei Chodo Robert Campbell, the center and our offerings are rooted in Zen and the spirit of the neighborhood temples they visited in Japan—places of learning, care, and love.

Located in the vibrant heart of New York City, we welcome people from every walk of life and every corner of the world, creating a global family bound by a shared commitment to care for the most vulnerable among us, educate others to do the same, and connect through the deeply human practice of living wide awake.

Our Team

Urban Monk

Zen teachers Koshin Paley Ellison and Chodo Robert Campbell talk about what it means to be modern monks.

Education

Recognized as leaders in the field of contemplative care and contemplative medicine we offer a range of educational programs for professional healthcare providers, volunteer caregivers, and those seeking graduate-level education in spiritual care and Soto Zen Buddhism. We are also the only Zen Buddhist-based organization accredited by the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education, to offer Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) for those pursuing professional chaplaincy.

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Zen Practice

We offer opportunities for the practice and study of Soto Zen Buddhism for new and advanced practitioners alike through daily online meditation, free introductory courses, bi-annual 90-day online practice periods, retreats, graduate-level classes, and a Certificate in Soto Zen Buddhist Studies. For those wishing to become formal Zen students, we offer a complete path of practice under the guidance of an authorized teacher, as it has been for seekers of the Way since the beginning of Zen.

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Care & Support

We offer care and support to those facing grief, loss, illness, aging, and end-of-life—all of which are sacred journeys. We also offer communities of support and connection for professional and non-professional caregivers coping with the unique and challenges of caring for others.

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Research

NYZC is a steward of innovating how we care for others and practice medicine. We conduct research measuring the impact of the contemplative approach on provider’s well-being and those for whom they care.

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Our Lineage

The New York Zen Center’ s practice is in the Soto Zen Lineage of the White Plum Asanga.

Our Founders, Sensei Koshin Paley Ellison and Sensei Robert Chodo Campbell are recognized Soto Zen Teachers by the Soto Zen Teachers Association, The White Plum Asanga, Zen Peacemakers and American Zen Teachers’ Association.
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Ethical Principles and Procedures

The Bodhisattva Precepts serve as our guide along the path of right speech, right conduct, and engaged relationship. Practice is based on trust, safety, respect, and authentic communication.

Principles & ProceduresInclusion Statement