City Center Fall 2025 Practice Period: The Heart of the Zen Way, Online/Commuter Participation 10/1–12/6

Practice Center
Date / Time
Oct 1, 2025 / 7:15pm - Dec 6, 2025 / 6:00pm
Event Type
Practice Periods
Description

The Heart of the Zen Way and the Koans of Everyday life
 

Being present and experiencing what’s happening, is the essence of Zen practice (and requires no special abilities). Our life blossoms as we learn to meet what’s being experienced in each moment. Sustaining presence is the Heart of the Zen Way.

In the Practice Period we will engage the formal Zen practices of ango that promote presence. Also we’ll explore the inquiry of “appropriate response” to the informal activities and situations of daily life.

When we see with the “eye of practice” we’re drawn into investigating our response to the issues and challenges of our life. This inquiry reveals the koans, both traditional and informal, that are called forth. As we engage and learn from them, our life becomes our teacher.

In this 9-week Practice Period led by Ryushin Paul Haller, we will discuss and engage with formal Zen practices that promote presence and an “appropriate response” to the informal activities and situations of daily life. We will also investigate Zen koans that call forth both formal and informal responses.

Please use this page to register for the practice period as an ONLINE or COMMUTER attendee. Commuters can attend Monday classes online or in person.

Registration Deadline: 9/30/25

You can also register for RESIDENTIAL participation (moving in and living at 300 Page St. for the duration of the practice period).

Includes Small Groups

Registration includes online attendance for all events, and your choice of online or in-person attendance at the Monday class.

*Online-only due to temple holiday

Fee Information
  • General: $1120
  • Current SFZC Members: $1008
  • Sliding scale 1: $672
  • Sliding scale 2: $280
Registration Information

Registration deadline is Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

Online/Commuter Registration

Or call 415-354-0360.

About SFZC Public Programs, Fees, and Cancellations