Beginners' Half-Day Sitting

San Francisco Zen Center's City Center sits in the heart of the city, making this half-day format accessible for people who can't commit to a full residential retreat but want guided instruction in the basics. The format alternates between zazen (sitting meditation) and kinhin (walking meditation), with discussion woven in—a practical introduction to how these two practices feel and balance each other.

Soto Zen, the tradition here, emphasizes zazen as the central practice. In a beginner-friendly session like this one, you'll learn the posture, breathing, and mental approach, then experience it for yourself across a few short periods. The teacher discussion gives you a chance to ask about what you've noticed—restlessness, confusion about what you're "supposed to" be doing, physical discomfort. These conversations often matter more than the sitting itself for beginners.

Half-day means you're in and out on a single afternoon, no overnight commitment. Wear comfortable clothing you can sit cross-legged or kneeling in. Arrive early to get oriented; the group will cover basics like how to enter the meditation hall and what the schedule actually looks like.