Five-Day Sesshin

Soto Zen emphasizes shikantaza—just sitting—as the direct expression of Buddha nature. Unlike Rinzai or Sanbo Zen, there is no koan work. The practice is steady, structural, and assumes that sitting itself is enlightenment, not a means to reach it. This sesshin follows that lineage and rhythm.

A traditional five-day sesshin runs a full schedule: early wake (usually 4 or 5 a.m.), alternating periods of zazen (sitting meditation) and kinhin (walking meditation) throughout the day, formal oryoki meals eaten in the zendo in silence, work periods, and evening Dharma talks. Private dokusan (interviews) with senior teachers happen daily. The only break from silence is the closing Dharma talk on the final day.

San Francisco Zen Center is one of the oldest and largest Zen centers in North America, established in 1962. City Center is their urban location in San Francisco proper—more accessible than their rural monastery (Green Gulch Farm) but still a dedicated practice space. Participants typically stay on-site in the center's residential quarters.

This sesshin closes the spring practice period, meaning it's part of a larger seasonal rhythm at the center. If you're new to sesshin, five days is a solid introduction—long enough to settle into the rhythm, short enough to be manageable. Expect a structured, quiet, physically engaged retreat with no frills and no entertainment. Bring comfortable sitting clothes and be ready for early mornings and a full schedule.