Everyday is a Good Day – Connecting through Meditation and Mindful Eating
ZEN and SHOJIN RYORI
ZEN and SHOJIN RYORI is an exclusive monthly session that starts with authentic Zen meditation, followed by a deep dive into Zen teachings and practices. It 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.
Designed to inspire personal / inner growth, foster a deeper appreciation for life, and enhance your overall well-being, ZEN and SHOJIN RYORI offers a unique opportunity to cultivate yourself through Zen aesthetics and enrich the quality of your life.
Our upcoming session is scheduled as follows:
Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
About the Workshop
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.
Location: THE GALLERY by Odo (17 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011)
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 ).
Workshop starts
1st Zazen
Break
2nd Zazen
Shojin ryori breakfast, tea, sweets
Workshop ends
Timeline
9:30
9:35
10:00 – 10:05
10:05 – 10:30
10:45
11:45
About the Program
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.
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.
PARTICIPANT WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY
By registering for and participating in ZEN and SHOJIN RYORI or any event or activity provided by Sky Blue Hospitality LLC (hereafter, “SBH”), I acknowledge and accept full responsibility for any risks, injuries, illnesses, or damages, whether known or unknown, that may arise from my participation.
I knowingly and voluntarily waive any and all claims I may have against SBH, including its instructors, representatives, agents, staff, employees, and independent contractors, for any injury, illness, or damage I may suffer, whether resulting from negligence or otherwise.
I have read and fully understand this release and waiver of liability. My participation in ZEN and SHOJIN RYORI or any SBH-sponsored activities signifies my voluntary agreement to the terms outlined above.
NOTICE OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Please be aware that photographs may be taken during all Sky Blue Hospitality LLC (SBH) events for use on SBH’s website, social media channels, and other marketing or promotional materials. By registering for or attending an event, you grant SBH permission to photograph, record, and use your image and likeness for these purposes. If you prefer not to have your image used, please inform us in advance by contacting shota.uzawa@skyblue-hospitality.com or speak with an SBH staff member at the event.