This three-week retreat offers an opportunity for experienced meditators to join the Green Gulch staff in a period of intensive residential practice. Our schedule will include morning, afternoon, and evening zazen; formal oryoki meals; work periods; dharma talks; and group discussions. There will also be formal and informal meetings with teachers, and classes. Participants commit to not leave the Green Gulch watershed for the duration (except by arrangement or emergencies). The Intensive will conclude with a five-day sesshin.
To Apply:
Please review the Sample Schedule/Shingi before submitting your application.
Students who are accepted into the intensive generally will have already participated in at least one all-day sit, sesshin, and/or a guest student stay at Green Gulch. If you do not have prior experience with Zen practice, we strongly suggest completing a one-day sit or sesshin at Green Gulch before applying for the intensive. If you have questions about the intensive and aren't sure if applying is right for you based on your practice experience, please contact the Abbot's assistant at ggfabbotassist@sfzc.org before applying.
Complete and submit an intensive application by the application deadline of November 7, 2025.
Please contact ggfabbotassist@sfzc.org if you have any questions, or if you require early acceptance notification for travel.
Non-refundable application fee: $30. This fee is paid while filling out the online application.
Intensive fees*
- $1,628 – Shared Guest House Room (two twins or a king); GGF provides bedding and towels.
- $2100 – Single Guest House Room; GGF provides bedding and towels.
The availability of shared and single student housing will be determined closer to the start date and offered for $1365 (shared) and $1890 (single).
The intensive fee is paid after application acceptance. The notice of acceptance to the intensive will be accompanied by information on paying the fee. $500 of this fee is non-refundable when canceling less than 2 weeks prior to the start of the practice period.
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.
*The fees for the Green Gulch Farm January Intensive do not fully cover the cost of maintaining Green Gulch Farm during the month of January. Please consider making a donation to San Francisco Zen Center to support the Intensive and the precious training and teachings offered at Green Gulch Farm, Green Dragon Temple, now and in the future. Thank you.
$500 of this fee is non-refundable when canceling less than 2 weeks prior to the start of the intensive.
Deadline for applications: November 7, 2025.