Training in Compassion, Zen Teachings on the Practice of Lojong
This three-week retreat offers an opportunity for experienced meditators to join Green Gulch staff in a period of intensive residential practice. Our schedule includes zazen in the early morning, mid-morning, afternoon, and evening; formal oryoki meals; work periods; Dharma talks; and classes. Formal and informal meetings with teachers will also be offered.
Participants commit to not leave the Green Gulch watershed for the duration (except by arrangement or emergencies). The Intensive concludes with a five-day sesshin.
The theme for study and practice in this intensive is the Training in Compassion: Zen Teachings on the Practice of Lojong. Lojong is the Tibetan Buddhist practice that involves working with short phrases (called "slogans") as a way of generating bodhichitta, the heart and mind of enlightened compassion.
Students 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.
Review the Sample Schedule/Shingi before submitting your application. Contact the Abbot's assistant at ggfabbotassist@sfzc.org with questions, if you aren’t sure if applying is right for you based on your practice experience, or if or if you require early acceptance notification for travel.
Submit your application by December 1, 2026.
Non-refundable application fee: $30. This fee is paid while filling out the online application.
Intensive fees*
- Shared Guest House Room (2 twins or a king): $855-$2136
- Single Guest House Room: $1875-$3125
- Shared Student Room: $717-$1791
- Single Student Room: $992-$2481
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 intensive.
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.
Deadline for applications: December 1, 2026.