ZEN in love

Koshin Paley Ellison and Chodo Robert Campbell are co-founders and guiding teachers at the New York Zen Center. With 17 years in business, the center has become a safe haven for people seeking care, education, and practice in Zen work. Koshin and Chodo have become an influential voice not only in Buddhism but also in the Queer community. In addition to serving as the center’s founders, they are also married Zen monks.

While Koshin and Chodo found Buddhism differently, their paths once crossed 28 years ago. “It was more than love at first sight,” recalls Koshin. “I felt like my life must change and I knew this person would be a huge part of it.” What they didn’t expect is that after seeing each other for the first time at a Zen Buddhist Center, their paths wouldn’t cross again until six years later. That’s when Koshin began to volunteer at a hospice where Chodo was taking care of his grandmother. After spending time together, Chodo finally introduced Koshin to his grandmother and he remembers she told him, “I understand—he’s the one.”

Koshin and Chodo felt it was always important to be themselves and live openly gay, even when being Queer was seen negatively and compounded by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Over the years, they have encountered supporters but also others who still see their lifestyle as a “new thing.” As Chodo recounts, “it is not to say there aren’t other gay priests or teachers, but we were openly gay, out, and married.”

Someone who has inspired them in their work and whom they consider a pioneer is Issan Dorsey, an openly gay priest and teacher. Most recently, Koshin wrote the forward for Dorsey’s re-published book, “Street Zen,” which includes Koshin and Chodo’s love story.

At the New York Zen Center, Koshin and Chodo have created special offerings for the LGBTQ+ community. Chodo shares how a recent bereavement group for Queer individuals impacted him because for many, it was the first time they could grieve the death of their partners or loved ones with people who could understand exactly how they felt. Koshin also shares how they continue to break old generation ideas within Buddhism from their interactions with priests that teach newer generations. “They understand that the teachings of liberation, which is actually what Zen Buddhism is about—it’s all-inclusive.”

Koshin’s grandmother once told them, “The two of you can be fearless in the midst of fear and comfortable in the midst of discomfort, and I want you to create something where you teach people about Zen and how to really care in a fearless way.” What was once words are now actions Koshin and Chodo practice every day.

Website: ZenCare.org Instagram: NEWYORKZENCENTER