The secret of all teachings of Buddha is how to live in each moment, how to obtain absolute freedom moment after moment. This is the theme of the Genjo Koan.
—Suzuki Roshi
In Dogen’s beautiful, seminal Genjo Koan, he extends a wonderful and challenging invitation: how to engage fully in the present moment and discover liberation in the midst of our daily lives, no matter what the internal or external circumstances might be.
In this retreat we will study this and other themes of Genjo Koan with an emphasis on incorporating these liberative teachings not just in mind but equally in heart and body. Using multiple experiential modalities, such as zazen, yoga, sense walks, movement meditation, self-care, journaling, and practice discussions with the teachers, we will embrace the Genjo Koan and invite it to embrace us.
As the cries of our world become more urgent, our need to focus on the healing power of embodied practice-realization becomes greater. If we, as dedicated bodhisattvas, are to be helpful to others, we must nurture our own capacity to embody practice, finding our place where we can more deeply realize the connection between our interior life and the exterior world. According to Dogen, our peaceful efforts themselves are the source of peace in each moment.
Whether you are new to the Genjo Koan or have been long reflecting on this rich teaching, we invite you to join us in this fresh inquiry. While not a required purchase, Okumura's Realizing Genjokoan will be the main reference text.
When you find your place where you are, practice occurs, actualizing the fundamental point. When you find your way at this moment, practice occurs, actualizing the fundamental point.
—Eihei Dogen
- General: $440
- Member (Become an SFZC Member): $396
- Sliding Scale 1: $264
- Sliding Scale 2: $110
Please note that the retreat fee does not include accommodations.
For commuter options please call 415-865-1899.
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.