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The many expressions of our Zen practice depend on an underlying element: virya, also known as inspiration, motivation, persistence, vigor, or joyful enthusiasm. For over sixty years, the wide community of San Francisco Zen Center has been a source of virya for each other and for the world. Your enthusiastic, joyful support is critical to sustaining this precious Sangha offering.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to our 2024 Year End Appeal.

Without any intentional, fancy way of adjusting yourself, to express yourself freely as you are is the most important thing to make yourself happy, and to make others happy. You will acquire this kind of ability by practicing zazen. Zen is not some fancy, special art of living. Our teaching is just to live, always in reality, in its exact sense. To make our effort, moment after moment, is our way.
― Shunryu Suzuki, founding teacher of San Francisco Zen Center

Welcome to San Francisco Zen Center, a place for reflection, connection, and engagement. Today, and for more than 60 years, this feeling of togetherness has been the heart of this community.

San Francisco Zen Center consists of three temples located in the greater Bay Area, as well as an online community. We offer daily meditation, classes, workshops and retreats, Dharma talks and guest speaker events, and a wide array of Dharma teachings. A place to meet, share, and connect, to meditate and practice together. Please visit our Calendar for more details. Sign up for Sangha News email updates to receive notices of upcoming events.

Throughout 2024 City Center, our temple in San Francisco, is undergoing a major renovation. While much of the building at 300 Page Street is closed, the zendo will remain open for most of the year and can be accessed through the door on Laguna Street. Please visit Beginner’s Mind Temple Renovation Project for more information.