Practice Period is an opportunity for students to live community and intensify their practice over an eight-week period, through increased meditation and study and contact with Green Gulch teachers. These are times of intensive formal Zen training emphasizing zazen, ceremonies, study and daily work. Practice Period students commit to be in residence for the entire term. Space permitting, we may also accept short-term participants.
Green Gulch offers two 8-week Practice Periods each year. They begin in October and February, and end with a 7-day sesshin. A three-week "Intensive," which includes a 5-day sesshin, is held in January.
How to Apply
Applications are available on the specific practice period page, which will also provide requirements, due dates, and instructions for submitting your application.
San Francisco Zen Center welcomes international visitors in the US on B visas to participate in our various offerings, workshops, and retreats. We also welcome students to participate in our Apprenticeship Program. Because the Apprenticeship Program is vocational, we are able to offer M-1 visas to students across the world. For more details about visas, click here.