Sitting in Stillness
This one-day sitting opens the City Center Winter 2026 Practice Period but is also extended to all. It offers opportunities for full participation as well as modifications for those who find a full day of meditation physically or emotionally too demanding. It begins at 8:40am and allows for the possibility of substituting periods of zazen with walking meditation or even light work in the kitchen. City Center’s Dharma teachers and practice leaders will be available for private interviews during the day.
In order to understand the nature of our formal retreats and be clear about the details of the practice, please review the Sitting in Silence schedule. We ask those who attend to commit to participating in the complete schedule.
We will be using the traditional Zen form of oryoki for eating lunch in the zendo. While meals are included as part of the one-day sitting, 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. If needed, the formal oryoki meal can be substituted with a silent lunch in the dining room. To rent or purchase an oryoki set, please email the Ino at ccino@sfzc.org.
This sitting is also offered online.
- Benefactor (125%): $140 — supports others’ participation
- Standard (100%): $112 — covers full program costs
- Member (90%): $100 — for current SFZC members
- Sliding Scale 1 (50%): $54 — supported rate
- Sliding Scale 2 (30%): $34 — access 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.
Please register by Wednesday, January 21, by noon PT.
Or call 415-354-0360 for registration assistance.