Brooklyn Zen Center

Curiosity pulled me towards the unassuming parish house of Christ Church Cobble Hill. Here, nestled within this vibrant Brooklyn neighborhood, lies the Brooklyn Zen Center. The Brooklyn Zen Center, often called BZC, was co-founded in 2005 by Greg Snyder, Laura O’Loughlin, and Ian Case. It has blossomed into a dynamic hub for Zen Buddhism, embracing both tradition and the complexities of urban life. BZC isn’t confined to these walls. It extends its reach with Ancestral Heart Temple, a mountain retreat in Millerton, New York, offering a deeper dive into monastic life. BZC also maintains a robust online presence, connecting practitioners globally through dharma talks, classes, and a podcast. The center’s leadership is a tapestry of experience. Greg Snyder, a lineage holder in the Suzuki Roshi lineage, serves as president and dharma teacher. Laura O’Loughlin, a lay dharma teacher and psychotherapist, weaves mindfulness into her clinical work. Ian Case, ordained in 2016, guides the meditation hall. At the heart of BZC is Teah Strozer, the head teacher, whose practice began in 1967. She carries the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, the figure credited with popularizing Zen Buddhism in the US. BZC’s programming reflects its commitment to inclusivity. From exploring the intersections of identity and societal suffering to offering mindfulness techniques to underserved high schools, BZC strives to make Zen practice accessible to all. Even kitchen training becomes an opportunity for mindful presence. BZC embraces the “beginner’s mind,” a concept championed by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, welcoming newcomers with open arms. Supported by donations, the center upholds the practice of dana, or giving, ensuring that no one is turned away for lack of funds. Whether you seek a quiet moment of meditation or a deep dive into Buddhist texts, the Brooklyn Zen Center offers a path. It’s a place where tradition meets the modern world, where the ancient wisdom of Zen blossoms in the heart of Brooklyn.