Who we are

The South Mountain Zen Circle is a small group of people who practice meditation together, in the Soto Zen tradition. We offer Zen meditation (zazen), dharma talks, one-on-one instruction with a teacher, and workshops. Both new and experienced practitioners are welcome. We are an inclusive community, open to people of different cultures, colors, ages, and beliefs who choose to join us.

The South Mountain Zen Circle is an affiliate of the Village Zendo in New York City. Our teacher, Charles Ryoshin Kalmanek, received dharma transmission from Roshi Randall Ryotan Eiger on July 23, 2026. He began his Zen studies in 2001 with Roshi Enkyo O’Hara, former abbot of the Village Zendo, and started studying with Ryotan in 2015. He received the title of Hoshi or Dharma Holder in 2023. He has been an active participant in the Buddhist program at Sing Sing Correctional Institution since 2010 and is a member of the teaching staff at the VIllage Zendo. He worked in software technology for 43 years. Ryoshin and his wife live in Millburn NJ with two excellent dogs.