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Zen Practice at Green Gulch

Daily Schedule
Zazen is the very core of our practice. In the Soto Zen tradition, zazen, formal service, and ceremonies are the bodily enactment of our vow to awaken for the benefit of all beings. The daily schedule and all of our activities are designed to support the community's daily zazen practice.


Practice Periods
Practice periods are led by one of our resident teachers and usually focus on a particular teaching or aspect of practice. A practice period is the traditional Buddhist way to deepen and intensify one's practice.


Resident Teachers and Instructors
If you are new to practice or have an ongoing meditation practice, you are encouraged to speak regularly with one of our practice leaders. First-time practice discussions may be arranged through the front office at 415.383.3134.


Residential Practice
The Green Gulch Resident Training Program is designed to support Zen students to sit zazen, practice intimately with each other and with the bodhisattva precepts, and gain a thorough understanding of what it is to take refuge in Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.


Sewing Buddha's Robe

Instruction in sewing a rakusu, Buddha’s robe, is offered for those who are preparing for the Bodhisattva Initiation Ceremony with a Zen Center or affiliated teacher.



Study Classes
Buddhism has a 2,500-year history and there have been many schools of Buddhist thought, and many styles of practice. Study is traditional in Zen monasteries as zazen and intellectual understanding inform and deepen each other.


Sunday Program

A $5 donation for support of the temple is suggested at the morning program; lunch donation is separate.



Volunteer Sangha

The Volunteer Sangha program enables the wider community to participate on a weekly, monthly, or occasional basis in Green Gulch Farm life.