Zen Studies Society
223 Beecher Lake Road
Livingston Manor, NY 12758
Telephone: (845) 439-4566
Website: https://zenstudies.org/
Description of Organization
The Zen Studies Society’s mission is to teach the principles of Rinzai Zen Buddhism and the practice of meditation as a way of living with insight and compassion. Moving forward into a new era and fulfilling the promise of our Dharma heritage, their vision is to become an ecologically self-sustaining community that is a source of refuge, inspiration, and peace for everyone.
Grant(s) Awarded
In 2026, a grant of $3,800 was awarded to support the Healing and Wellness Retreat, created by resident monk Donge John Haber, who had AIDS, in the early 1980s during the AIDS Epidemic. The retreat provided a safe, compassionate, and healing weekend for those with HIV/AIDS, at a time when these folks were stigmatized and shunned by family. Today, this retreat continues to provide a safe and caring meditation and healing weekend where all participants can feel welcome and comfortable in community. Beginning on Friday and ending on Monday, the schedule consists of daily meditation, vegetarian/vegan meals, yoga, writing workshops, a bonfire, outdoor activities and rest time.