NEW WORKSHOP SERIES: Zen Meditation & Vegetarian Breakfast at THE GALLERY by odo

We are excited to announce the launch of our new workshop series “ZEN and SHOJIN RYORI : "Everyday Is A Good Day" - Connecting through Meditation and Mindful Eating“ at THE GALLERY by odo, combining the tranquility of Zen Meditation with the artistry of Shojin Ryori, Japanese Vegetarian meal. This unique experience will help you Stop, Reflect, and Renew.

The workshop consists of three separate sessions, where you can choose to attend one or all of them. Each session will feature a different Zen teaching inspired by a unique Zen quote, followed by a guided Zen meditation. You will then be invited to savor a mindful, 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 20 guests per session.

The sessions will take place on the following dates and times:

• Sunday, March 16, 2025 : 9:30 a.m.

• Sunday, April 13, 2025 : 9:30 a.m.

• Sunday, April 27, 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

March 16th session is now open for booking.

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
11:00 a.m. Shojin Ryori breakfast, tea and sweets 
11:45 a.m. End