The City Center, also known as Beginner's Mind Temple (Hosshin-ji), is one of three practice communities that comprise the San Francisco Zen Center (SFZC), which is located near the Civic Center area. The other practice centres are Green Gulch Farm and Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, which are located further away from the City Center.
Offerings, at the San Francisco Zen Center (SFZC), include daily meditations and service, semi-weekly dharma talks, classes, workshops, residential student programs, and the opportunity to discuss one's spiritual practice with an experienced Zen practice leader. Whatever level or stage of their journey they are on there are offerings for everyone. Their website also lists tips and recommendations for beginners to the practice of Zen Buddhism.
The incredibly beautiful building that houses San Francisco Zen Center’s City Center temple is located at 300 Page Street (at Laguna), near the end of the Central Freeway in the Hayes Valley/Lower Haight neighborhood, which borders the Civic Center area. Limited on-street parking is available in the neighborhood; a public parking lot is also available on Franklin Street near Oak. Public transportation is also an option and easy way to get to the center. There is also space for people to have overnight stays as well. There are various ways offered to stay at the center: as a guest, guest student, work apprentice, or resident.
Soto Zen is one of the major practices of Zen Buddhism and emphasizes the practice of zazen, or sitting meditation. By learning how to be still, we are able to realize our original nature and carry that experience into daily life. The founder of Soto Zen is Dogen Zenji from Japan and the lineage of teachers trace back to the the 6th Century Chinese Chan/Zen founder Bodhidharma.
Furthermore, teachers of this lineage descend from the historic Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, in India over 2500 years ago.
Simon is the founder and designer of Relight. Born and raised in Germany Simon grew up with a passion for human potential and spirituality. Obsessed with the study of human nature, Simon is currently studying as a guest student at universities in San Francisco and Bonn (Germany). Integrating insights from his studies in psychology, philosophy, spirituality and anthropology into creating impactful organizations.
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The City Center, also known as Beginner's Mind Temple (Hosshin-ji), is one of three practice communities that comprise the San Francisco Zen Center (SFZC), which is located near the Civic Center area. The other practice centres are Green Gulch Farm and Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, which are located further away from the City Center.