Green Gulch Farm Zen Center, also known as Green Dragon Temple (Soryu-ji), is a Buddhist practice center in the Japanese Soto Zen tradition offering training in Zen meditation and ordinary work. It is one of three centers that make up San Francisco Zen Center, which was founded by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi.
Our effort at Green Gulch is to awaken in ourselves and the many people who come here the bodhisattva spirit, the spirit of kindness and realistic helpfulness. This is how we offer our understanding of Buddha's Way.
Green Gulch Farm is located in Marin County, just north of San Francisco, in a valley that opens out onto the Pacific Ocean. In addition to the temple program of zen and study, it includes an organic farm and garden, as well as a guest house and conference center.
1601 Shoreline Highway
Muir Beach , CA 94965
(415) 383-3134
E-mail: ggfoffice@sfzc.org
The office and bookstore are open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1:30 to 4 p.m. On Sundays the office is open between 9 and 10 a.m. and from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours vary during retreat times.
On Sunday, we offer a public program, which includes zazen instruction, a zazen instruction, a zazen instruction, a Dharma Talk, and tea. Those who attend this program are also invited to join the community for lunch ($8-$10 donation requested). Non-resident lay members volunteer with many aspects of the Sunday program.
Zen Center's Mountain Gate Study Center offers a variety of classes in Buddhist philosophy and practice. Classes are held on Sunday mornings and on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Sessions of 6 weekly classes are held 5 to 6 times each year and are open to the public.
Traditional Zen meditation retreats (1-day, 5-day and 7-day) are held each month. We suggest that you begin with an introductory sitting. We also hold a number of weekend retreats which include meditation, lectures and group discussion. Some of our retreats are especially designed for families. Click here for more information about formal Zen practice.
We offer a variety of day-long and weekend workshops which combine lecture, discussion, and meditation practices.
A generous donation from a friend of Zen Center enabled us to construct a traditional Japanese teahouse, one of the few such structures in America. Tea classes in the Urasenke tradition are offered weekly. Private viewings of the teahouse and tea ceremonies can be arranged.
The Green Gulch garden and nursery are open every day. Classes in organic gardening, pruning, flower arranging, herb culture and related topics are offered throughout the year, and Green Gulch offers an apprenticeship in organic farming each summer. From May to October, Green Gulch organic produce is sold at Green Gulch and at various Farmers' Markets.
There are opportunities for residential practice at Green Gulch as well as a guest house and facilities meetings and conferences.
People who want to participate regularly at Green Gulch are urged to become Zen Center members. Members help support our activities and receive our newsletter, schedule of events, and discounts on books, classes and sesshins.