SOTOZEN-NET > Soto Zen Temples > Organization and temples outside Japan > San Francisco Zen Center-Hosshinji
Beginner’s Mind Temple (Hosshin-ji), also known as City Center, was established in 1969 by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi as a training center in the Soto Zen tradition open to the general public. Beginner’s Mind Temple is one of three temples comprising San Francisco Zen Center.
Beginner’s Mind Temple offers daily meditation and service, semi-weekly talks, classes, workshops, retreats, residential student programs, and the opportunity to discuss one's spiritual practice with an experienced Zen practice leader.
If you are new to Zen Center, we suggest you visit us on Saturday morning at 8:45 a.m. for an introduction to Zen Center and zazen instruction. Beginner’s Mind Temple is located at 300 Page Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. For more information please contact us at:415-863-3136, ccoffice@sfzc.org or at www.sfzc.org.
The City Center community is home to approximately 45 to 65 residents, both lay and ordained. All residents participate in the daily zazen schedule (including sesshins), attend classes, and have contact with a practice leader. Some residents work for Zen Center, some work outside, some stay for many years, and some become residents for only one practice period.
New City Center residents usually begin with the City Center sangha as a "practice period resident." Once the new practitioner has gained some experience with the community, it is possible to apply for longer-term residency. Longer-term stays in the building are decided through deep intention, consultation with a practice leader, and an interview with the City Center Director.
The guest student program is an introduction to Zen practice in a residential setting. The daily schedule includes zazen (sitting practice), service (sutra chanting), study, and work practice.
Guest students receive zazen instruction, attend twice-weekly dharma talks, engage in discussions about practice, and may attend ongoing Study Center classes. Practice leaders are available for individual and group discussions about Zen practice. If you wish to become a guest student at City Center, you are encouraged to send your email to the City Center Guest Student Manager: ccwork@sfzc.org .You can also apply by sending in an application which is available on our website at www.sfzc.org .
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