ZenistWhole and Wholesome Shikantaza: March 2026 Zen Retreat
with Gil Fronsdal·Soto Zen
Two-week residential retreat at Green Gulch Farm for experienced meditators, led by Gil Fronsdal. The program includes zazen, oryoki meals, work periods, and Dharma talks, with a five-day sesshin focused on Shikantaza (just-sitting) practice.
About this retreat
This two-week retreat at San Francisco Zen Center's Green Gulch Farm is structured around Shikantaza—the Soto Zen practice of just-sitting, without object or goal. The retreat weaves together daily zazen (sitting meditation), oryoki (formal practice meals), work periods, and Dharma talks, building toward a five-day intensive sesshin. The five-day sesshin within the larger retreat creates a deeper immersion for practitioners already grounded in Zen practice.
Gil Fronsdal leads the retreat. Fronsdal is a Soto Zen teacher with roots in both Japanese and Western practice; his teaching emphasizes insight alongside the formal structure of sesshin. The retreat is designed for people with sitting experience, not newcomers to Zen.
Green Gulch Farm, SFZC's residential facility in Marin County, provides the setting for this extended practice. Participants live at the center for the full two weeks, practicing and living together in the rhythm the center establishes.
Originally listed on San Francisco Zen Center's website.
Full details from San Francisco Zen Center
A two-week intensive residential retreat for experienced meditators at Green Gulch Farm, featuring zazen, oryoki meals, work periods, Dharma talks, and a five-day sesshin with a focus on Shikantaza practice supported by insight.
Also at San Francisco Zen Center01
Wednesday – Sunday · 5 days
Four-Day Sesshin
San Francisco Zen Center