Three-Day Sesshin, Online

San Francisco Zen Center's online sesshin brings the basic structure of a residential retreat into your home. You'll sit zazen and walk kinhin on a shared schedule with others logging in across time zones, attend Dharma talks, participate in services, and join group discussion. The format acknowledges that many people can't travel to a retreat center but want the container and accountability of sitting together.

Soto Zen practice is non-dualistic — there's no koan work, no dokusan. The focus is on zazen itself as complete practice, not a means to an end. A traditional three-day sesshin typically runs early morning to evening with breaks for meals and rest. Online, you're responsible for your own space, meals, and schedule adherence, which requires more self-direction than sitting on a cushion in a zendo where the schedule is enforced by the bell.

If you've never sat sesshin before, this format lets you try the shape of one without committing to travel or time off work — though the quality of your experience depends heavily on how seriously you treat the schedule at home. If you're already a SFZC practitioner or familiar with Soto Zen, this is a straightforward continuation of your practice.