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Entering the Path of Practice

“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few.”
—Shunryu Suzuki-roshi

If you would like to become more intimate with practice at Zen Center or wherever you are, here are some suggestions for next steps.

Starting City Center Green Gulch
Peruse our website for more information    
Attend Introduction to Zazen several times and stay on for lecture and lunch Saturdays Sundays
Participate in an Introductory Afternoon/Sittings to learn more about the forms used at Zen Center and ask questions More Info » More Info »
Take classes specifically designed for beginners, such as:
  • Introduction to Buddhism
  • Introduction to Zen
  • Getting started with Zen
  • Life of the Buddha
More Info » More Info »
There are a lot of recommended book titles to get you started    

 

Establishing
   
Participate in the full morning program Saturdays

Zazen begins at 6:30 (plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before to get seated). The program includes oryoki breakfast with guest bowls.

Sundays
Sit regularly at home or come to scheduled meditation periods in the morning or evenings More Info »  
Meet with a practice leader to discuss your zazen practice City Center Practice Leaders Green Gulch Practice Leaders
Join the community in open meals to meet the sangha Saturday lunch Sunday lunch
Become a volunteer City Center Volunteer Program Green Gulch Volunteer Program
Take more classes More Info » More Info »
Do a Beginners’ Sitting More Info » More Info »
Participate in a One-Day Sitting More Info » More Info »
Explore bringing practice into all aspects of daily life    
Consider becoming a member of San Francisco Zen Center    

 

Deepening
   
Commit to a consistent meditation practice at home and/or at a nearby center.

 

 
Start meeting regularly with a practice leader City Center Practice Leaders Green Gulch Practice Leaders
Join the Saturday Sangha More Info »

 

Participate in One-Day Sittings More Info » More Info »
Spend a week as a guest student More Info » More Info »
Continue to take classes More Info » More Info »
Learn how to eat with an oryoki set (formal eating bowls)    
Participate in a practice period as a non-resident or as a resident More Info » More Info »
Consider doing a longer sitting like a five- or seven-day sesshin or the Three-week Summer Intensive More Info » More Info »

(Note: We offer specific suggestions regarding for City Center and Green Gulch because they are the most available of our centers to the public. Tassajara during the spring and summer is a wonderful retreat location, and offers intense monastic practice periods during the fall and winter months. If you’re not in the San Francisco/Marin area, you  may be able to find a sitting group near you.)