This page is for the in-person at City Center sesshin. If you want to attend the online version, register for the Three-Day Sesshin, Online 11/5–11/7.
Sesshins are traditional Soto Zen meditation retreats that include formal zendo meals, Dharma talks, sitting and walking meditation, and private interviews with senior teachers.
In order to understand the nature of our formal retreats, and to be clear about the details of the practice, please review a typical sesshin schedule, as well as our guidelines for zendo conduct We ask that those who attend sesshin commit to following these guidelines and to participating in the schedule completely. If you have questions regarding the schedule or guidelines, please consult with the head of the meditation hall, the Ino, via email (ccino@sfzc.org) before completing your registration.
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 ($100), or rent a set for the day. If needed, the formal oryoki meal can be substituted with silent meals in the dining room.
Prerequisites
All participants are asked to have at least participated in one SFZC half-day sitting and one-day sitting, attended Zazen Instruction and Zendo Forms Instruction at City Center, and have received training in oryoki or commit to participating in the Oryoki Training on the evening before the Three Day Sit at 5:00 pm in the City Center dining room.
If you have any questions regarding the schedule, guidelines, or your eligibility for the Three-Day Sitting, please consult with the head of the meditation hall (ino) at ccino@sfzc.org before completing your registration.
This sesshin is included with the 2026 Fall Practice Period at City Center, but is open to registration by those not participating in the practice period. If you already registered for the practice period as a resident, there is no need to register for this sesshin.
If you are not a practice period residential student and are interested in staying at City Center for sesshin, please look for the housing option when you register. Housing is dependent on availability. Prices depend on the type of room chosen.
The registration deadline is October 30.
To sit online please register here.
- Benefactor: $410
- Sustaining: $330
- Member (Become an SFZC Member): $300
The fee includes meals.
Housing is separate Cost.
San Francisco Zen Center is committed to making Zen practice and the Dharma accessible to all who seek it by offering both a General support fund and a dedicated BIPOC support fund. Please email supportfunds@sfzc.org for more information BEFORE signing up.
Please register by Friday, October 30.
Or call 415-354-0360 for registration assistance.
