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Each Wave An Ocean: Opening the Gates Practice
Each Wave An Ocean: Opening the Gates Practice
October 3, 2026 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Whether we are engaged in a full life in the world or live at the monastery, all aspects of our
being are vital.
— John Daido Loori Roshi
Offering a comprehensive, radical path of liberation, The Eight Gates of Zen, developed by John Daido Loori Roshi, form the foundation of training in the Mountains and Rivers Order. They guide us in a practice that embraces the whole ocean of our lives—not only our time on the cushion, but our relationships, work, creativity, study, and engagement with the world.
The Eight Gates are: Zazen, Study with a Teacher, Buddhist Study, Liturgy, Right Action and the Precepts, Art Practice, Body Practice, and Work Practice.
During this morning retreat, Hojin and Daiō will open several of these gates through teaching, reflection, and direct experience. Together we will explore zazen, the heart of Zen practice; the student–teacher relationship; art and body practice as expressions of awakening; and the Precepts, the ethical teachings that guide us in living with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to causing the least harm.
Each gate offers a unique doorway into practice, yet all point toward the same realization: that every aspect of our lives can become a field of awakening, each wave is the vast ocean. Join us as we explore these living gates together.
More info/Registration
See details on Google
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Zen Kids
Zen Kids
October 3, 2026 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Zen Kids at Fire Lotus Temple: join us for our re-launch of Zen Kids at the Temple. We'll be exploring stillness, simple sounds, some story time, and a little art exploration as well. A light snack will be included. Parents / guardians are welcome and encouraged to join their bodhisattvas! Please RSVP and share any questions at zenkids_zcnyc@dharma.net.
See details on Google
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Sunday Program & Beginning Instruction
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This Very Body: Trans and Gender Non-Conforming (TGNC) Practice Night
This Very Body: Trans and Gender Non-Conforming (TGNC) Practice Night
October 8, 2026 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
The second Thursday of each month will feature an in-person gathering for trans, non-binary, and gender expansive practitioners in the Buddha Hall at Fire Lotus Temple. The temple doors open at 6, and we will begin promptly at 6:30 with a period of silent meditation, followed by a practice discussion, art or movement practice, or some other way of engaging the dharma together. This program is offered free of charge, and there's no need to RSVP - just show up! Email tgnc@dharma.net with any questions.
See details on Google
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The Mystery in Each Task: Day of Volunteer Service to the Temple
The Mystery in Each Task: Day of Volunteer Service to the Temple
October 10, 2026
Come join us for a day of zazen, fall cleaning, and volunteer service to the Temple!
Working together is part of our life and part of our practice. It allows us to honor and care for Fire Lotus Temple and the sacred space of practice that it provides in our city. Please join with the community for this morning beginning with zazen practice and then moving into a period of work service together. There will be work available for all skills and abilities.
Morning Schedule:
9:00 to 9:50 Morning zazen
10:00 to 12 noon Work service
12 noon to 1:00 Tea & snacks
Info/Registration
See details on Google
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Sunday Program & Beginning Instruction
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Diamond Net Support Meeting
Diamond Net Support Meeting
October 11, 2026 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Support for Sangha Join us: if you are feeling disconnected or discombobulated and want some sangha love; to get support in your role as a care-giver; to care for other sangha members. 2:30 - 4:00 pm Register for Zoom at zmm.org/diamondnet.
See details on Google
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Radiant BIAPOC Zazenkai
Radiant BIAPOC Zazenkai
October 17, 2026
If this will be your first zazenkai or sesshin, please call the Temple Office at (718) 875-8229 for a brief interview. Due to the intensive nature of this retreat, we ask that all participants complete a beginning instruction session with the MRO and establish a regular zazen practice prior to registration.
Please join us for the 1st BIAPOC Zazenkai at Fire Lotus Temple. This retreat is open if you identify as Black, Indigenous, Asian, and Persons of Color. The day includes, zazen, walking meditation, oryoki (simple meal received in meditation), liturgy, Seniors talk and face to face teaching with Hojin Sensei. Because of the intensive nature of an all day sit, please call the training office to speak with someone before registering so we may go over the day with you and see that you are well prepared. Limited overnight accommodations are available Friday and Saturday night – please contact the Temple office for more information.
Zazenkai is an important way for experienced students to further their practice and for newer students to take a preparatory step toward the practice of sesshin.
The Temple offers programs with sliding scale pricing so that finances are not an obstacle to practicing here.
Info/Registration
See details on Google
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Sunday Program & Beginning Instruction
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Half-Day Sit (online)
Half-Day Sit (online)
October 24, 2026
A three-hour practice of connecting with the still point, making space in which to find the heart-mind and body, and taking refuge. Let us sit deep into our well of sanity and show up from a place of love and courage—the two things that throughout history have been necessary to help humanity not only survive but thrive.
These short zazen intensives are popular with those new to Zen practice or meditation as well as more experienced students. The morning offers a time of silence and stillness and provides an excellent way to explore and deepen one’s zazen.
Your registration confirmation will include a link to the Zoom session.
More info/registration
See details on Google
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Half-Day Sit
Half-Day Sit
October 24, 2026 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
If you have not previously attended a half-day sit, zazenkai, or sesshin in the Mountains and Rivers Order, please contact the Temple Office at 718-875-8229 or zcnyc@dharma.net prior to registration.
A three-hour practice of connecting with the still point, making space in which to find the heart-mind and body, and taking refuge. Let us sit deep into our well of sanity and show up from a place of love and courage—the two things that throughout history have been necessary to help humanity not only survive but thrive.
These short zazen intensives are popular with those new to Zen practice or meditation as well as more experienced students. The morning offers a time of silence and stillness and provides an excellent way to explore and deepen one’s zazen.
More info
See details on Google
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Sunday Program & Beginning Instruction
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