About City Center

City Center Side Garden People Talking


Welcome

City Center, also known as Beginner's Mind Temple (Hosshin-ji), is one of three practice communities that comprise the San Francisco Zen Center, which also includes Green Gulch Farm and Tassajara Zen Mountain Center. It was established in 1969 by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi as a training center in the Soto Zen tradition open to the general public.

Offerings include daily meditation and service, semi-weekly Dharma talks, classes, workshops, residential student programs, and the opportunity to discuss one's spiritual practice with an experienced Zen practice leader. Scroll down for general information.

For those new to San Francisco Zen Center, we offer meditation instruction every other Saturday morning at 8:40 am in our Conference Center at 310 Page Street. Please check the Sitting Meditation calendar to confirm dates.

Location

The beautiful building that houses San Francisco Zen Center’s City Center temple is located at 300 Page Street (at Laguna), near the end of the Central Freeway in the Hayes Valley/Lower Haight neighborhood, which borders the Civic Center area. Limited on-street parking is available in the neighborhood; a public parking lot is also available on Franklin Street near Oak. Carpooling is encouraged.

MUNI buses: Lines 6 and 7 run often and stop at either Haight and Laguna (one block away) or Haight and Buchanan (two blocks away). F line trolleys running down Market Street are a 5–10 minute walk from City Center. For the 21 Hayes; get off at Laguna and Hayes,for the 22 Fillmore, get off at Oak and Fillmore. Many of the rail lines bring riders within a few blocks of City Center; get off at Van Ness Station or at Duboce and Church Street and walk a few blocks to 300 Page. For additional directions from outside of the city, view larger map.


Front Office

Front Office
415-863-3136
ccoffice@sfzc.org


City Center Bookstore

After fourteen months of building renovations, the City Center Bookstore reopened its doors to the public on April 5, 2025. The newly updated Bookstore offers a unique collection of Buddhist- and Zen-themed books, cards, statues, meditation supplies, and pottery made by local artists.

The City Center Bookstore opening hours are as follows:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 4:30–7:30 pm
Wednesday: 4:30–7:00 pm 
Thursday: 1:30-4:30 pm
Friday: 4:30–7:30 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am–12:00 pm (Closed during Dharma talk)

Online orders may be placed anytime at the Online SFZC Bookstore and may be shipped or picked up at City Center's front office (M–F, 9:30 am–12:00 pm and 1:30-4:30 pm). Your support is deeply appreciated.

Please email bookstore@sfzc.org or call 415-354-0397 for any questions or special requests. Please know that we do not ship internationally.


Fees for Events

There are three rates for most City Center events: a general rate, a members rate, and sliding scale rates for those with limited income. Attendees may choose the rate that suits their situation. Those who are unable to attend a program due to financial constraints may inquire about other arrangements.


Outreach and Volunteering

City Center offers a variety of outreach and volunteer programs and activities. 


Library

The library is currently run on a volunteer basis, and has variable hours. Please contact the main office at 415-863-3136 to check availability.


Conference Facilities

We welcome outside groups to hold meetings and classes in the peaceful setting of a classic Victorian home, located next door to City Center at 308 Page Street. The Parlor Room, 40' x 13' with high ceilings, wood floors, and area rugs, accommodates up to 35 people. The less formal Sun Room, 21' x 17', is just right for more intimate gatherings and workshops. Vegetarian meals can be arranged. For more information, please click here.

Short-Term Stays

City Center offers charming guest rooms for short-term stays. Rates include vegetarian meals with the community. This is a convenient and economical way to stay in the city while experiencing life in a Zen Buddhist temple and enjoying the serene elegance of a building designed by Julia Morgan. Guests are also welcome (but not required) to join the daily meditation schedule and other activities.

Accessibility

The first floor of City Center is accessible by ramp. The Buddha Hall, bookstore, office, dining room, class and meeting space, a guest room with private bath, and a restroom are on the first floor. The zendo is accessible by ramp at the Laguna Street entrance. Sutras are available in large print. Hearing assistance is available for lectures. Please review San Francisco Zen Center's pet policy regarding service animals.


Residential Practice

City Center offers a variety of ways of being a resident, from a two-week stay as a guest student to long-term residency. Practice period participants may apply to be residents during their practice period if space is available in the building.

For information on our residential programs: