Sunday, December 6, 3 pm—Sunday, December 13, 2 pm
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 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 (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 or City Center (or comparable experience and permission of sesshin leader).
There will be an orientation on Sunday, December 6 at 3:00 pm. The sesshin will begin that evening after dinner and conclude with lunch on Sunday, December 13.
To register for this sesshin, begin by completing this form.
Once you have been approved for the sesshin, you will be sent an email that will include a link through which you can process your payment and complete your registration.
Guest House, Single Room:
- Benefactor (125%): $1544 — supports others’ participation
- Standard (100%): $1235 — covers full program costs
- Member (90%): $1111 — for current SFZC members
- Sliding Scale 1 (50%): $617 — supported rate
- Sliding Scale 2 (30%): $432 — access rate
Guest House, Shared Room:
- Benefactor (125%): $1240 — supports others’ participation
- Standard (100%): $992 — covers full program costs
- Member (90%): $893 — for current SFZC members
- Sliding Scale 1 (50%): $496 — supported rate
- Sliding Scale 2 (30%): $347 — access rate
Single student housing:
- Benefactor (125%): $1337 — supports others’ participation
- Standard (100%): $1070 — covers full program costs
- Member (90%): $963 — for current SFZC members
- Sliding Scale 1 (50%): $535 — supported rate
- Sliding Scale 2 (30%): $374 — access rate
Shared student housing:
- Benefactor (125%): $1034 — supports others’ participation
- Standard (100%): $827 — covers full program costs
- Member (90%): $745 — for current SFZC members
- Sliding Scale 1 (50%): $414 — supported rate
- Sliding Scale 2 (30%): $290 — access rate
Support Funds
San Francisco Zen Center is committed to making Zen practice and the Dharma accessible to all who seek it. In addition to our sliding scale fees, we offer both a General Support Fund and a dedicated BIPOC Support Fund for those who need financial assistance. If cost is a barrier, please reach out to supportfunds@sfzc.org before registering—we’re happy to support your participation.
For more information on our fee structure, see this document.
Other Pricing Information:
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 apply by Friday, November 27.
- Please fill out a sesshin registration form.
- 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.
- The final steps to complete the registration and payment via the SFZC website will be provided in the acceptance email sent by the Ino.