Welcome to the First Zen Institute of America

Founded in 1930 the First Zen Institute of America is a non-profit religious organization that introduces Rinzai Zen to lay students, provides information on Zen Buddhism and on Zen Master Sokei-an Sasaki to the public through its publications and archives, and offers opportunities for Zen practice.

Located in a five-story brownstone at 113 East 30th St. in New York City, the Institute houses a traditional meditation hall, public meeting room, library and publishing offices.

The First Zen Institute is open to the public free of charge on Wednesday evenings from 7:30- 9:30 for an introduction to Zen meditation practice, including instruction, if requested. Formal sitting meditations (Zazen), with 10-minute walking meditation (Kinhin) in between, is followed by an informal tea and discussion in the library.

Intensive weekend meditation takes place once a month.