All events listed are available in person unless indicated otherwise.
Before attending, please review the Health and Safety Requirements.
Weekday Schedule*
Mornings: Tuesday – Friday
5:40 am | Zazen (sitting meditation) |
6:03 – 6:10 am | Interval bell (sitters may adjust their posture and new guests may enter) |
6:10 am | Zazen (ends with robe chant) |
6:40 am | Service in the Buddha Hall |
7:05 am | Soji (temple cleaning) |
7:30 am | Breakfast in the courtyard ($10 – $15 donation) |
Evenings: Monday – Friday
5:40 – 6:20 pm Zazen
6:20 – 6:30 pm Service
Wednesday Evening
7:30 pm** Dharma talk (public lecture) both in the Buddha Hall and in the online zendo
Weekends: Saturday*
Saturday Morning
6:30 am | Zazen (sitting meditation) |
7:10 am | Service in the Buddha Hall |
7:40 am | Soji (temple cleaning) |
7:55 am | Breakfast in the courtyard ($10 – $15 donation) |
9:25 am | Zazen (sitting meditation) |
10:00 am | Dharma talk and Q&A - in the Buddha Hall and in the online zendo |
11:30 am | Tea and cookies in the courtyard |
12:00 pm | Public lunch is offered once a month, by donation - 2023 dates: April 8, May 6, June 10, July 1, August 5, September 2, October 14, and November 11 |
Saturday Afternoon and Sunday
The City Center building is closed to the general public, except for special classes, sittings, or events.
Entry Information
For morning and evening zazen, guests are asked to enter through the door on Laguna Street near the corner of Page and Laguna. This door will be open for 20 minutes prior to the start of zazen in the morning and evening. Please be seated 5 minutes before the zazen start time listed below. The door will be locked once zazen begins. On weekday mornings, the door will be reopened from 6:03 – 6:10 am so that visitors can enter the building. Guests arriving at this time will enter the zendo at 6:10 am in order to participate in the second period of zazen.
Day Guests
Before attending, please review the Health and Safety Requirements.
*The City Center zendo is closed on federal holidays.
**This symbol marks events recommended for beginners. Also visit our For Beginners at City Center webpage for more information and opportunities.
Practice at San Francisco Zen Center is open to all people regardless of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, or physical ability.
Donations are gratefully received and help us to maintain all of SF Zen Center's programs. Donations can be made onsite in the donation boxes located in the lobby or in zendo foyer. Donations can also be made online through our donations webpage.
To contact the front office call 415.863.3136 or email ccoffice@sfzc.org.