Zen Meditation Workshop Returns: Reservations Now Open for Fourth Session: Zen Meditation & Vegetarian Breakfast at THE GALLERY by Odo

We are delighted to share that our workshop series,
“ZEN and SHOJIN RYORI: ‘Everyday Is A Good Day’ – Connecting through Meditation and Mindful Eating,”
is back at THE GALLERY by Odo.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our previous sessions—your enthusiasm and support continue to inspire us.

This workshop offers an authentic experience to stop, reflect, and renew yourself to step fully into the richness of your life in our world of busyness today, of more, faster, better in New York City.

Each session features a different Zen teaching inspired by a unique Zen quote, followed by a guided Zen meditation. You will then be invited to savor Shojin Ryori, or plant-based breakfast, crafted by Michelin-starred Chef Hiroki Odo, as well as freshly hand-whisked Matcha Green tea and Japanese sweets.

Spaces are limited to just 22 guests per session.

Our next session will take place :  Sunday, August 24th, 2025 : 9:30 a.m

Location:  THE GALLERY by Odo (17 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011)

-The Zen session will be held in our dedicated event space, followed by breakfast in our restaurant.

Duration: 135 minutes
Fee: $120

What to expect:

1. Arrival & Check-In
Doors open at 9:00 a.m. at THE GALLERY by Odo. After check-in, we will guide you to the event space. The session begins promptly at 9:30 a.m.
As meditation is a key part of this experience, please arrive on time.

2. Meditation Seating
Meditation will take place on traditional Goza mats. We provide meditation cushions. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us in advance ( info@odogallery.nyc ).
Comfortable clothing suitable for sitting is recommended.
For an authentic experience, we kindly ask that you remove your shoes during the Zen meditation.

3. Breakfast & Dietary Info
The breakfast served is fully vegan Shojin Ryori.
If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please notify us 24 hours prior to the event time  (info@odogallery.nyc ).

The Fourth Session, on August 24th, is now open for reservations.

About The Program

ZEN and SHOJIN RYORI :
"Everyday Is A Good Day" - Connecting through Meditation and Mindful Eating“

This exclusive program Zen and Shojin Ryori is a rare collaboration between two remarkable masters: Chef Hiroki Odo, a Michelin-starred chef and owner of Odo, and Rev.Dr. Masaki Matsubara, an eighteenth-generation Zen priest in the Japanese Rinzai tradition with a Ph.D. in Asian Religions from Cornell University.

Together, they have thoughtfully crafted a 135-minute immersive experience — a journey designed to help you stop, reflect, and renew amidst the relentless pace of New York City.
What sets this program apart is its unique blend of culinary artistry and Zen philosophy. Under Chef Odo’s guidance, you’ll explore the refined principles of Shojin Ryori (精進料理), a traditional Japanese Buddhist cuisine rooted in mindfulness and simplicity. Meanwhile, Rev.Dr. Matsubara will guide you through Zen practices that foster clarity, inner calm, and mindfulness.

This is more than just a class; it’s a transformative opportunity to refine both body and mind, discovering how the essence of Zen can elevate not only your meals but also your daily life.

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In this program, Rev.Dr. Matsubara will lead you through a relaxed schedule of Zen meditation (Zazen 坐禅), focusing on the essence of simply sitting and being present with what is. You’ll immerse yourself in the wisdom of Zen teachings, explore your inner voice, intuition, and awareness, and conclude with a talk and Q&A session with Rev.Dr. Matsubara.

Following the Zen session, you will experience a gourmet yet traditional Zen Shojin Ryori breakfast at THE GALLERY by Odo. Chef Odo, who has been passionate about vegetarian cooking throughout his career (he brought a Michelin star to the now-closed vegetarian restaurant Kajitsu), has specially crafted the menu for this program. His Shojin Ryori breakfast is served on a simple yet elegant tray made of Echizen lacquerware, accompanied by five traditional Zen meal bowls. His cooking emphasizes seasonality and Zen teachings, featuring dishes like mazegohan (mixed rice with vegetables), a soup dish, and various vegetable dishes — all prepared without dairy or animal products.

After the meal, you’ll enjoy a traditional Japanese sweet and matcha tea, personally prepared in front of you by Rev.Dr. Matsubara himself. This allows you to experience a simplified version of the Japanese tea ceremony.

Through meditation, conversation, and mindful practices, including the Shojin Ryori breakfast and tea ceremony, we offer a transformative experience at the intersection of cuisine and Zen. This program is open to anyone interested in stopping, exploring, and bringing more mindfulness into their daily lives. It is designed to nurture you through Zen aesthetics and elevate the quality of your life.

Location: THE GALLERY by Odo (17 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011)
- The Zen session will be held in our dedicated event space, followed by breakfast in our restaurant.

TIMETABLE 

9:00 a.m. Door Opens/ Check In (Please arrive on time because Zen session begins at 9:30 sharp.)
9:30 a.m. Zen session + Q&A + Shojin Ryori breakfast, hand-whisked matcha tea and sweets 
11:45 a.m. End