The Zen Studies Society was established in 1956 to assist the Buddhist scholar D.T. Suzuki in his efforts to introduce Zen to the West. In 1965, it came under the leadership of a Japanese Zen monk, Eido Tai Shimano, who shifted the emphasis towards zazen (Zen meditation) practice. In 1972, Eido Shimano Roshi received dharma transmission from Soen Nakagawa Roshi. With his guidance, and with the help of many dharma friends, two Rinzai Zen centers came into being-- New York Zendo Shobo-ji, in Manhattan, and Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-ji, in the Catskill Mountains.

Eido Roshi retired as Abbot of the Zen Studies Society at the end of 2010. Shinge Roko Sherry Chayat Roshi, who received dharma transmission in 1998, was installed as the new Abbot on January 1, 2011.