Five-Day Sesshin, GGF 11/10–11/15

Teachers
Practice Center
Date / Time
Nov 10, 2026 / 3:00pm - Nov 15, 2026 / 2:00pm
Event Type
Sitting Meditation & Sesshins
Description

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.

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 the guidelines for zendo conduct. We ask those who attend sesshin to 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 (ggfino@sfzc.org) before completing your registration.

The in-person sesshin is open to those who have experience with formal Zen practice, including at least two in-person One-Day Sittings at Green Gulch Farm or City Center (or comparable experience and permission of sesshin leader).

There will be an orientation on Tuesday, November 10 at 3:00 pm. The sesshin will begin on Tuesday after dinner and conclude with lunch on Sunday.

To register for this sesshin, begin by completing the application form.

Once you have been approved for the sesshin, you will be sent an email with a link to complete your registration and process your payment.

Meals are included in the cost of sesshin. As most meals will be eaten formally in the zendo meditation hall, please plan on bringing your oryoki set. If you do not have a set, you can purchase one on arrival for an additional $55.

This five-day online sesshin is part of the 2026 Fall Practice Period at Green Gulch Farm, but is open to registration by those not participating in the practice period. If you are already registered for the practice period there is no need to register for this online sesshin.

Fee Information

Guest House, Single Room: 

  • Benefactor - $1103
  • Standard - $882
  • Member - $794
  • Sliding Scale 1 - $441

Guest House, Shared Room:

  • Benefactor - $896 per person
  • Standard - $717 per person
  • Member - $645 per person
  • Sliding Scale 1 - $359 per person

Single student housing (as available):

  • Benefactor - $958
  • Standard - $767
  • Member - $690
  • Sliding Scale 1 - $383

Shared student housing (as available):

  • Benefactor - $738
  • Standard - $590
  • Member - $531
  • Sliding Scale 1 - $295

NOTE: The Shared Room option only applies to partners or friends who apply together for the sesshin with the intention of sharing a room with each other. Green Gulch Farm will not be assigning people to room together at this time.

San Francisco Zen Center Members receive a 10% discount. For more information on our fee structure, see this guide to sliding scale fees.

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. After your application has been accepted, please email supportfunds@sfzc.org to request financial support.

Meals are included in the cost of sesshin. As meals will be eaten formally in the zendo meditation hall, please plan on bringing your oryoki set. If you do not have a set, if needed you can purchase one on arrival for an additional $55.

Please register by October 27.

Five–Day Registration Form

Registration Information
  1. Please fill out a sesshin registration form.
  2. After reviewing the registration form and determining the number of spaces available in the sesshin, the Ino will confirm by sending a letter of acceptance by email.
  3. The final steps to complete the registration and payment via the SFZC website will be provided in the acceptance email sent by the Ino.