Zen Center Of Syracuse Hoen-ji

For more information or to register for an event, click on event or program title.

Events

Mandala Day, zazen with shakuhachi, tea and snacks

Sun, Dec 21, 2025 - 9:00am - 2:30pm

Marco Burmester, shakuhachi master, will be returning to offer “Blowing Zen” for our Mandala Day ceremony and during the zazen that follows, until 11:30 a.m. Marco will answer questions and will have...

Zen Center Closed Dec 25 and Jan 1

Thu, Dec 25, 2025 - 12:00am - Thu, Jan 1, 2026 - 12:00am

The Zen Center will be closed on Dec 25 and Jan 1.

Morning Service, Zazen, and In-person Dokusan

Sun, Dec 28, 2025 - 9:00am - 11:30am

Morning service will be followed by zazen and in-person dokusan, then a period of temple caretaking. Please bring a KN-95 mask for in-person dokusan. Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 707 637 406...

New Year's Eve Celebration at ZCS!

Wed, Dec 31, 2025 - 8:00pm - Thu, Jan 1, 2026 - 12:00am

On Wednesday, Dec. 31, we will celebrate New Year’s Eve at HoenJi in person, with a Zoom option, from 8 p.m. until after midnight. Come for as much of the evening as you can. Friends and family...

Wed, Dec 31, 2025 - 11:00pm

Donate Dear Sangha and Dharma Friends,

Fri, Jan 2, 2026 (All day)

Starting with our Year-End Giving appeal, we are transitioning to a new online payment system called Donorbox. Key Changes to Know When you donate, the payment page will have a new look and feel.

Fri, Jan 2, 2026 (All day)

Dear Sangha and Dharma Friends, On May 4, 2025, we held a beautiful ceremony for Jika Lauren Melnikow. She became my first Dharma Heir at the Zen Center of Syracuse, following the conferring of inka...

HoenJi Winter Sesshin

Thu, Jan 15, 2026 - 7:00pm - Sun, Jan 18, 2026 - 5:00pm

Led by Shinge Roshi, Winter Sesshin will be offered both in person and online, Thursday, Jan 15, 7 p.m. to Sunday, Jan 18, 5 p.m. See below to choose in-person or online attendance. In-Person...

Ongoing programs

Dai Bosatsu Mandala Day Third Sunday of the month, 9 a.m. ET

Online Yoga Sundays 1-2:30 pm

Sitting Schedule

Residential Training at Hoen-ji Resident program; On-going

Dharma Study: In Person and Online Third Sunday of the month from 1:00-2:30 p.m. ET

Online Introduction to Zen Meditation Every Wednesday at 7pm

Online Engaged Buddhism Discussion and study groups

Online Meditation Schedule Daily

Sesshin

Sesshin, the traditional intensive meditation retreat, is offered four times a year at Zen Center of Syracuse Hoen-ji and six times a year at Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-ji. During sesshin, frequent dokusan and daily teachings are offered, in addition to a rigorous schedule of sitting, chanting, work practice, and formal meals. Please click here for more information on attending sesshin at the Zen Center of Syracuse.

2026

Hoenji Winter Sesshin Jan 15 to Jan 18, Zen Center of Syracuse or Online via Zoom

HoenJi Spring Sesshin Apr 16 to Apr 19, Zen Center of Syracuse or Online via Zoom

HoenJi Summer Sesshin Jul 16 to Jul 19, Zen Center of Syracuse or Online via Zoom

HoenJi Fall Sesshin Oct 15 to Oct 18, Zen Center of Syracuse or Online via Zoom

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At the Zen Center of Syracuse, we recognize the profound interconnectedness of all living beings and the delicate balance of the Earth’s ecosystems. We pledge to cultivate awareness and attentiveness in every aspect of our operations. By learning from the land care traditions of our Onondaga neighbors, we commit to actions that reflect our gratitude to Mother Earth.
The Zen Center of Syracuse acknowledges that we are on the territory of the Onondaga Nation, council fire of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. With gratitude and respect, we join in the stewardship of our shared environment.