Five-Day Sesshin, CC 5/26–5/30

Practice Center
Date / Time
May 26, 2026 / 9:00am - May 30, 2026 / 6:00pm
Event Type
Sitting Meditation & Sesshins
Description

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-day sesshin retreat will be a fully silent retreat with a dharma talk on the last day only.

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. An oryoki instruction session will be held Saturday March 21 at 1 pm in the City Center dining room. If needed, the formal oryoki meal can be substituted with silent meals in the dining room.

Tuesday, May 26
9:00 am     Check in 
10:00 am   Sesshin Orientation (buddha hall)
11:15 am    Oryoki Training 

Sample Schedule

Fee Information
  • Benefactor: $650 — supports others’ participation
  • Standard: $525 — covers full program costs
  • Member: $475 — for current SFZC members
  • Sliding Scale 1: $275 — supported rate

Support Funds
San Francisco Zen Center is committed to making Zen practice and the Dharma accessible to all who seek it. In addition to our sliding scale fees, we offer both a General Support Fund and a dedicated BIPOC Support Fund for those who need financial assistance. If cost is a barrier, please reach out to supportfunds@sfzc.org before registering—we’re happy to support your participation.

For more information on our fee structure, see this document.

Additional Housing Costs:

  • Private Temple Room with Private Bathroom: $700
  • Private Temple Room with Shared Bathroom: $550
  • Shared Room (Women's): $325
  • Shared Room (Men's): $325

Please register by Wednesday, May 20.

Five-Day Sesshin Registration

Five-Day Sesshin Housing Registration

Or call 415-354-0360 for registration assistance.

About SFZC Public Programs, Fees, and Cancellations