This new online space for parents, caregivers, and all who are raising children offers a place to come together in community and share the path of practice within family life.
Rooted in the teachings of Suzuki Roshi and inspired by lay ancestors like Lingzhao Pang and her family, Vimalakirti, and Queen Srimala, our sangha brings forward the rich, often overlooked lineage of householders devoted to the Dharma. We’ll also look to the Ox-Herding Pictures for encouragement on this tender and transformative path of raising children.
Each week, we make time for zazen and practice discussion and explore the myriad joys and sorrows of raising children in today’s world. We support each other in vowing and re-vowing in the midst of parenting and caregiving. We open to the realities of embodiment, grief, loss, and our ancient family karma, meeting it all with compassion and grace.
This online sangha meets for two 8-week sessions, separated by a short break to allow space for reflection and integration. Please register separately if you would also like to attend the Winter Cohort, also on Mondays, January 19–March 9, 2026.
Parents and caregivers from other family sanghas are welcome to join, helping to create wide networks supporting family practice and collective healing.
In addition to our online gatherings, the SFZC Family Sangha offers in-person daylong retreats at Green Gulch Farm and annual retreats at both Tassajara and Green Gulch. For more information, please visit the Family Sangha landing page.
- Sustaining Level: $300
- Member (Become an SFZC Member): $270
- Sliding Scale 1: $180
- Sliding Scale 2: $75
- Current SFZC residents and qualified SFZC retirees may attend this course for free. To register, please email onlineprograms@sfzc.org at least 72 hours before the program begins.
Tickets are per person. Fee includes lunch.