Our Guest Student Program offers short-term residency (one to six weeks) to those interested in beginning or continuing Zen practice with the support of a community. Guest students participate in the daily life of City Center, which includes zazen (sitting meditation), services (sutra chanting), work (frequently of a physical nature), and meals. We also offer zazen instruction, classes and lectures on Buddhism, and the opportunity for discussions and meetings with teachers and practice leaders.
The cost is $20 per day with a one-week (Mon-Sat) minimum stay. A $50 non-refundable deposit is due once you have received confirmation of your Guest Student stay.
To Apply: Please download the Guest Student Application, fill it out and email it to the Guest Student Manager.
The guest student program is designed to provide both an introduction to Zen practice in a residential setting, and an opportunity to establish and strengthen Zen practice as an integral part of everyday life. Students are expected to follow all aspects of the schedule completely.
Guest students are asked to arrange to come on a Monday by 8:45 am and to stay a minimum of one week (Mon-Sat). After the first week, guest students may apply to stay up to a maximum of six weeks.
Guest students stay in very simple shared rooms. If possible, please bring a sleeping bag and a towel. Also, you will need to bring toiletry articles, one set of loose clothing (subdued in color) for zazen, other clothing appropriate for work, a pair of slip-on shoes, a pair of closed-toe shoes for work, and an alarm clock. The weather in San Francisco can be quite cool, so please bring warm clothing. Booking is done in order of application received, with preference given to those able to complete the full week’s schedule.
In the spirit of maintaining the Buddhist precepts, guest students are asked to refrain from drug or alcohol use and from initiating new sexual relationships during their guest student stay. Please discuss any concerns you may have with the Guest Student Manager before entering the program.
Monday through Friday | Saturday |
5:00 am wake-up bell | 6:10 am wake-up bell |
5:25 zazen | 6:30 zazen |
5:55 kinhin (walking meditation) | 7:10 service |
6:05 zazen | 7:40 soji |
6:40 service | 7:55 zendo breakfast |
7:05 soji (temple cleaning) | 8:40 break or 8:45 zazen instruction |
7:20 breakfast | 9:25 zazen |
9:00 work meeting | 10:15 lecture |
12:30 end work lunch | 11:00 tea & discussion |
1:30 pm work | 12:00 lunch |
3:00 end work tea with a practice leader (once a week) or informal study | 1:30 pm afternoon off |
5:40 zazen | 6:00 dinner (optional) |
6:20 service | Sunday |
6:35 dinner | 7:30 am breakfast |