ABOUT US
The New York Zen Community for Dōgen Study is a sangha that practices shikantaza zazen and actively promotes the study of Eihei Dōgen’s teachings.
Founded by Rev. Koyama Issan, a disciple of Okumura Shōhaku Rōshi, the NYZC for Dōgen Study is devoted to making Dōgen’s teachings accessible to Western practitioners intent on applying them to daily life.
Eihei Dōgen (1200 ~ 1253) is the founder of the Sōtō Zen School of Japan. His teaching and practice have been handed down to us by teachers such as:
Menzan Zuihō (1683 – 1769)
Nishiari Bokusan (1821 – 1910)
Sawaki Kōdō (1880 - 1965) a.k.a. Homeless Kodo
Uchiyama Kōshō (1912 – 1998) Former abbot of Antai-ji in Kyoto
Okumura Shōhaku (1948 - ) Founder of Sanshin Zen Community and The Dōgen Institute.
With access to a large library of primary Buddhist texts and authentic commentaries on Dōgen’s writings by eminent Buddhist teachers, Issan offers lectures accompanied by original translations and rare insights from previously untranslated commentaries.
Issan is fluent in Japanese and English and able to read original Japanese and Chinese texts and present them in a way that highlights their immediate relevance to contemporary life.
For detailed information, please visit the “Our Practice” page.
The New York Zen Community for Dōgen Study’s programs are offered free of charge.
Our Lineage
Sawaki Kōdō
1880-1965
Uchiyama Kōshō
1912-1998
Okumura Shōhaku
b.1948
Koyama Issan
b.1955
Rev. Koyama Issan
Rev. Koyama Issan is an officially registered Buddhist priest of the Sōtō Zen School of Japan and the founder of the New York Zen Community for Dōgen Study.
Issan is a Dharma heir of Okumura Shōhaku Rōshi and is endorsed by Honda Tekifu Rōshi (a student of Sawaki Kōdō Rōshi and the late abbot of Myōko-ji in Hakata, Japan).
Born in Kamakura, Japan in 1955, Issan came to New York as a newspaper and television journalist in 1983 after working in Paris, France for 2 years.
During the early years of the AIDS epidemic, Issan trained in end-of-life care and became a full-time hospice chaplain in New York City. He also co-founded and managed a medical facility in Japan with residences for geriatric and palliative care patients as well as family clinics.
Issan currently divides his time between the US and Japan. He offers a variety of lecture series on Dōgen’s teachings and explores the essential Buddhist texts that influenced Dōgen and Sōtō Zen. Issan continues to study with prominent Buddhist teachers in Japan.
Issan’s work as a journalist, an end-of-life care professional and a Buddhist priest have been featured in The New York Times, Asahi Shimbun, PBS Morning Edition and StoryCorp’s book, Callings.
CATHERINE JISHIN AMENDOLARA
Catherine has worked in healthcare for 30 years as a physical therapist and since 2015 as a geriatric care specialist. She has studied and practiced with Okumura Shōhaku Roshi and Issan since 2017. In 2022 she received precepts from Okumura Röshi. Catherine is the Ino and takes care of "tangaryo" for the NY Zen Community for Dōgen Study. She responds to inquiries from those wishing to join our programs.
MICHELE SEIZAN SEVIK
Michele Seizan Sevik was born in State College, PA, with French as her first language. She holds a BS in physics from Bard College and has worked as a science editor and licensed healthcare provider. Her Zen path began in the 1990s and led her to study texts by Okumura Shōhaku Rōshi. At NY Zen Community for Dōgen Study, she assists Issan with editing translations and transcriptions. In 2025, she received precepts from Rev. Koyama Issan.