Sunday, December 8, 4 pm–Sunday, December 15, 2 pm.
Sesshin, meaning "to gather, collect, and convey the mind-heart," is a traditional Soto Zen meditation retreat that includes formal zendo meals, Dharma talks, sitting and walking meditation, and private interviews with senior teachers. In order to understand the nature of our formal retreats, and to be clear about the details of the practice, please review a typical sesshin schedule, as well as the guidelines for zendo conduct. We ask those who attend sesshin to commit to following these guidelines and to participating in the schedule completely. If you have questions regarding the schedule or guidelines, please consult with the head of the meditation hall, the ino, via email (ggfino@sfzc.org) before completing your registration.
The sesshin is open to those who have experience with formal Zen practice, including at least two in-person One-Day Sittings at Green Gulch or City Center (or comparable experience and permission of sesshin leader).
Sesshin fees vary by housing requested. Housing preferences are handled on a “first come, first served” basis.
Guest House, Single Room - $1120 / SFZC Member - $1008
Guest House, Shared Room - $900 per person / SFZC Member - $810
Single student housing (as available) - $970
Shared student housing (as available) - $750
SFZC Members receive at 10% discount, as indicated.
San Francisco Zen Center is committed to making Zen practice and the Dharma accessible to all who seek it by offering both a General support fund and a dedicated BIPOC support fund. Please email supportfunds@sfzc.org for more information BEFORE signing up.
Meals are included in the cost of sesshin. However, since meals are eaten formally in the zendo meditation hall, you will need an oryoki set. If you do not have a set, you will need to purchase one on arrival for an additional $55.
Before registering, please review the Health and Safety Requirements.
To Register:
- Please fill out a sesshin registration form.
- After reviewing the registration form and determining the number of spaces available in the sesshin, the Ino will confirm by sending a letter of acceptance by email.
- The final steps to complete the registration and payment via the SFZC website will be provided in the acceptance email sent by the Ino.
The sesshin will begin with a 4 pm orientation on Sunday, December 8, and will end around 2 pm on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Registration forms and payment must be received before noon on Tuesday, November 19.
