Fall Practice Period at City Center: The Six Paramitas: Bodhisattva Practices for an Uncertain World

A practice period is a traditional Zen training format: an extended block of weeks in which participants take up a steady daily rhythm of practice rather than attending a single weekend event. This one is organized around the Six Paramitas — the perfections associated with the bodhisattva path: generosity, ethical conduct, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom. The subtitle, Bodhisattva Practices for an Uncertain World, frames those as practices for ordinary, unsettled circumstances, and the period's weekly classes and small groups fall within that focus.

The published structure is morning and evening zazen, weekly classes, small groups, and three sesshins — sesshin being a multi-day stretch of concentrated sitting practice embedded in the longer period. Beyond that, the listing is thin. San Francisco Zen Center has not yet published a daily schedule, sesshin dates, class topics, or the names of the teachers holding the period. If the sesshins are what draw you, ask the center for their dates and format before registering.

Practical details

What the listing provides:

• Dates: September 30 through December 5, 2026 (described as an eight-week intensive).
• Format: in-person at City Center. Lodging and commuter arrangements are not mentioned; ask the center whether the price covers housing and meals.
• Cost: one listed figure, $3,089, with no breakdown of what it includes.
• Experience level: open to beginners and experienced practitioners, per the description.

Registration goes through the San Francisco Zen Center calendar page for this event. Because teachers and a detailed schedule are not yet announced, confirm sesshin dates and other specifics with the registrar before committing.