Sitting in Stillness
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. Open to everyone, this five- or seven-day Sitting in Stillness sesshin is the final formal retreat of the City Center Winter Practice Period and is designed to support full participation for those who find full days of meditation physically or emotionally demanding.
Two registration options are available: participants may choose a five-day or a seven-day sesshin. Participants will also have the option to substitute some periods of zazen with walking meditation outside the meditation hall or light work in the kitchen.
In order to understand the nature of our formal retreats and be clear about the details of the practice, please review the schedule. We ask those who attend the sesshin to commit to participating in the complete schedule.
We will be using the traditional Zen form of oryoki for eating breakfast and lunch in the zendo. While meals are included as part of the sesshin, you will need an oryoki set to participate. You may either borrow informal bowls, bring your own set, purchase one ($60), or rent a set for the day. Oryoki instruction sessions will be offered on March 20 and March 22. If needed, the formal oryoki meal can be substituted with silent meals in the dining room.
Seven-Day Sesshin
- Benefactor: $915 — supports others’ participation
- Standard: $735 — covers full program costs
- Member: $660 — for current SFZC members
- Sliding Scale 1: $440 — supported rate
- Sliding Scale 2: $185 — access rate
Five-Day Sesshin
- Benefactor: $410 — supports others’ participation
- Standard: $330 — covers full program costs
- Member: $300 — for current SFZC members
- Sliding Scale 1: $175 — supported rate
- Sliding Scale 2: $95 — access rate
Please register by Wednesday, March 18.
Or call 415-354-0360 for registration assistance.